Glittered eye shadow, bold lashes, and colored contacts may seem like a harmless way of enhancing your Halloween costume, but eye damage or infection can occur with improper makeup application. At the Fort Lauderdale Eye Institute, we encourage you to follow these basic steps to protect your eyes this Halloween season:
Ensure that your face and eyelids are clean before applying makeup and always apply it outside the lash line. Applying makeup too close to the lashes can block the oil glands of the upper and lower eyelids, which are important for protecting the eye. Glittery makeup is a common cause of corneal abrasions and infections. They contain harmful dyes and sharp particles that can scratch the eye, similar to getting sand or dirt in it. Furthermore, consider hypoallergenic brands to reduce the risk of allergic reactions and irritation.
There are various types of eyelashes, and it is important to apply them safely to your natural lashes. We advise exercising caution with faux lashes, as they can lead to allergic reactions from the adhesives, infections due to trapped bacteria, dry eyes, and physical damage to your natural eyelashes. Both magnetic and glued lashes have the potential to irritate the sensitive skin around your eyes or even scratch the cornea. To reduce the likelihood of these complications, wear false lashes done by a professional.
Lastly, costume contacts can pose a high risk, especially non-prescription ones. They can cause eye damage and infections from improper fitting as they are poorly manufactured and not FDA-approved lenses. All contact lenses, including costume ones, are medical devices and require a prescription from an eye doctor. If you notice any pain, redness, itching, or swelling, consult an ophthalmologist immediately.
