Swimming Safety: How to Keep Your Eyes Safe in the Water This Summer

With warm weather comes glorious time spent swimming, playing, and cooling off in pools, lakes, and the ocean! While water activities are a great way to exercise, have fun, and beat the heat, they can be hard on our eyes. 

Chlorine and other chemicals used to keep pools clean can be particularly harsh on our eyes. They can wash away the layer of tear film, which coats our eyes and keeps them moist, smooth, and clear. 
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When this happens, our eyes get red and uncomfortable. Frequent swimming in pools can lead to dry eye, a condition in which the eyes do not produce enough tears or the right quality of tears. This leaves our eyes feeling gritty and our vision blurry.
 
To further the problem, when our eyes lack properly functioning tear film, they are further exposed to the harsh chemicals, as well as bacteria lingering in the pool. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), “Chlorine itself can cause a reaction, leaving the surface and edges of your eyes red, itchy, watery, and uncomfortable. And bacteria that survive the chlorine can lead to an eye infection, such as pink eye (conjunctivitis).”
 
Similar issues arise when swimming in natural bodies of water, whether lakes or the ocean. While chemicals may not be an issue like they are in pools, bacteria in the water can cause eye infection.
 
So how do you protect your eyes and your children’s eyes in the water this summer? Follow these simple safety tips:
 

1. Wear well-fitting goggles in the water to keep your tear film safe and chemicals and bacteria out.
2. Splash closed eyes with fresh water immediately after getting out of the water to rinse chemicals and bacteria off your eyelids and lashes.
3. Use over-the-counter lubricating eye drops before you get in the water and after you get out to protect your tear film and keep your eyes comfortable.
4. Use gel or artificial tears before putting on your goggles if you have dry eye, or check with your ophthalmologist about prescription eye drops.
5. Drink plenty of water to keep well hydrated and keep your eyes moist and feeling good.
6. Wear prescription goggles instead of contact lenses to prevent possible infection, corneal damage, and even vision loss. According to AAO, “Bacteria can grow on the lenses even after just one swim. Because contact lenses sit in the eyes for an extended period of time, your eyes are continuously exposed to chemicals, bacteria, fungi, or parasites.”
7. Visit your eye doctor immediately if you notice any symptoms of eye infection, including any of the following: Redness, pain, tearing, light sensitivity, blurry vision, a feeling you have something in your eye, eye discharge, and eye swelling.

 
Following these simple tips can keep your eyes and those of your loved ones safe in the water this summer. If you have any questions about swimming eye safety or prescription swim goggles, please do not hesitate to contact us. If you suspect an eye infection or are noticing any of the symptoms listed above, please contact us immediately.
 
From all of us at Kadrmas Eye Care New England, enjoy the water safely this summer!