October is one of the most exciting months of the year. Decorations of deep reds, rusty oranges, and bright yellows herald in the first cold snaps of the year with their fiery hues. The trees change their coats before dropping their fire-cracker leaves.

Not to mention we get to enjoy a month riddled with fun, from costume parties to hay rides to pumpkin patches and so on!

To kick off spooky season, we wanted to go over a few Do’s and Don’ts that might help you through this months’ celebrations, and keep your eyes safe and you out of the eye doctor’s office.

Costumes and festivities can be deceptively innocent, but there are a few fine lines to walk when it comes to keeping you and your children safe.

Keep your visibility clear; for you as well as for others

DO use a flashlight

• Avoiding trip hazards is important. No one wants to go to the ER with a more-than-sprained ankle because they stepped off that curve wrong. Make sure you can see what may or may not be in front of you and your feet.

DO pick a mask that gives your eyes breathing room…and allows enough visibility to see

• Make sure no parts of your mask have any chance of brushing against your eyes or poking you in the cornea.
• Again, make sure your mask allows for enough visibility to be able to properly move around.

DO use reflective accessories

• It’s important for others to see you just as much as it is for you to see them, maybe more so when it comes to people in cars. Make sure you accessorize with reflectors and use caution when you are close to any roads or bike lanes.

Keep your eyes healthy and safe:

DON’T use over-the-counter contact lenses

• What many people don’t know is: Over-the-counter contact lenses are Illegal and HIGHLY dangerous. Every year, eye doctors care for patients who used contact lenses that were not properly measured for their eyes. These can cause abrasions, eye infections, and scratches on the eyes. Make sure to always use prescription contact lenses (they even make contact prescription contact lenses! All you need is a proper fitting with your eye doctor).

DON’T do your makeup in a vehicle while in motion.

• Don’t run the risk of poking your eye out just to save time. Make sure you are in a steady and CLEAN environment when applying any kind of makeup or face paint. Side note: also make sure you wash your hands when touching anywhere around your eyes.

DO beware of fake lashes. When the glue comes undone, they run a risk of scratching the eye when they fall off.

• Fake lashes don’t last forever, and when the glue comes undone, they run a risk of the rigid lashes falling into the eye and scratching the cornea. Make sure you keep a close eye on how secure all parts of your makeup and costumes are to keep your eyes safe.

DO avoid mascara that is waterproof

• It has been found that the “waterproof” ingredients in many waterproof mascaras dry out the lashes and can lead to them falling out.
• Make sure you don’t overuse special makeup, and also be sure to use appropriate methods of removing such cosmetics.

DO make sure to remove all eye makeup before bed

• Sleeping in eye makeup can invite bacteria into the eye, cause eye irritation, and is bad for your eye lashes

DO wear safety glasses when working with any kind of tools and doing fun DIY’s (even pumpkin carving!)

DO avoid long, pointed accessories like fake swords, especially for children

Keep your body healthy and safe:

DON’T wear costumes that will impede your movements

• In other words, make the necessary adjustments so you can do everything you need to do while sporting the coolest costume on the block.

DO always check candy, and only accept it if it is sealed.

• While it is rare to run into tampered candy, it is not unheard of. Take a few minutes to check anything given to you or your children, first

DON’T leave drinks unattended at parties

• Basic party rules still apply, even during Spooky Season. Don’t leave drinks unattended, and if you’re unsure if you trust it, just get a fresh drink. It isn’t worth the risk.

DO dress appropriately for the weather

• Your body is more important than that costume. Make sure you don’t overheat and you don’t get too cold.

DO stay hydrated and nourished

• It goes without saying; eat some food and drink some water. Don’t drink too much alcohol and take care of yourself. Have fun, but don’t get too crazy.

October is one of the most magical months of the year, with the anticipation of even more magical holidays right around the corner. We just need to be sure to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe for the fun to come!