Wellington Eye Care offers some timely trick-or-treat tips to keep kids safe

On Halloween, an assortment of ballerinas, clowns, ghosts and goblins will have their eyes on just one thing — candy. Roaming dimly lit neighborhoods is part of the fun for children in pursuit of treats, but it can also be dangerous.

“Trick-or-treaters and parents need to remember that on Halloween, to be safe, you must be seen,” said Dr. Larry Eklund of Wellington Eye Care. “Studies have shown that a child’s risk of injury as a result of being hit by a car doubles around Halloween.”

Incorporate these simple precautions into the evening’s festivities to ensure Halloween safety:

• Dress children in light-colored costumes or adhere reflective tape to the costume’s fabric and accessories.
• Hypoallergenic make-up is a safer alternative to wearing masks. This reduces vision restrictions that can be caused by a mask.
• Children move through darkened neighborhoods more safely if accompanied by an adult.
• Approach only doorsteps that have a porch light lit.
• Remind trick-or-treaters to look both ways before crossing streets and to stay with the group.
• If cosmetic contact lenses are part of your costume, make sure you obtain them from your doctor of optometry to ensure that the lenses fit your eyes properly.

Wellington Eye Care is at 8251 Wellington Blvd. in Wellington, phone 970-568-7161.