Water Eye Safety Tips

Summer is here so you may enjoy spending these hot days near or in the water. Water sports and activities are a great way to exercise and have fun, but before you jump in, keep some eye safety considerations in mind. 

Exposure to certain bodies of water can lead to eye irritation and even worse. If fungi and bacteria enter your eyes, it can lead to eye infections. Some types of eye infections can become severe and threaten vision.  

Keep reading for ways to enjoy summer water activities while safeguarding your eyes and protecting your vision. 
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Pool considerations 

Diving into a swimming pool is a welcome way to beat the heat, but whether it is a public pool or your backyard pool, the water can irritate your eyes. 

Pool chemicals in the water help kill pathogens, such as bacteria. However, when chlorine binds to contaminants, such as oil and dirt, it forms a compound called chloramine that can cause irritation. Before jumping into the pool, consider the tips below. 

• Check the pH. If you are swimming in your own pool, check the pH of the water. If the pool is not pH-balanced, chloramine may be more likely to form.
• Don’t get in too soon. Wait a few hours before swimming after adding pool chemicals. 
• Keep your eyes moist. Use lubricating eye drops if the chemicals have irritated your eyes.

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Lake and river considerations 

Swimming in a lake or river requires some attention to safety to avoid getting in trouble if you swim out too far. It is also important to protect your eyes from bacteria and other parasites that may be in the water. 

Before diving into the river, consider the following: 

• Be aware of the water quality. Check the water quality before you go for a swim. Municipalities regularly test the water at public beaches. They may post the results on a designated website.
• Avoid rock hopping: Rock hopping at a lake or river may seem like a fun activity, but it can lead to a fall and hitting your head or face on the rocks. 

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Ocean considerations

It is vital to respect the strength of the ocean if you go for a dip. The current can be stronger than you realize. The saltwater can also irritate your eyes. 

If you plan to swim in the ocean: 

• Don’t open your eyes underwater. You may want to see what is under the sea, but avoid opening your eyes underwater. The saltwater can burn and sting your eyes. 
• Gently wipe the water out of your eyes. After you get out of the ocean, do not rub, or wipe your eyes vigorously. The salt can scratch your eyes. 
• Stay well hydrated. The sun and hot temperatures dry the eyes, and staying well hydrated helps them stay moist.

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Additional considerations 

There are a few other things you can do to protect your eyes when your participate in water sports, such as: 

Wear swim goggles. Swim goggles are a great way to protect your eyes from bacteria and other contaminants. They may also reduce irritation from pool chemicals and saltwater. 

Buy swim goggles that fit your head well and form a watertight seal over your eyes, but you don’t want them so tight they give you a headache. 

Do not swim with contacts.  Contacts are usually not designed to be worn in the water. Once submerged, they can swell and possibly tighten around the cornea, leading to irritation. 

Do not hesitate to get checked out if you have signs of an eye infection. Anytime you have signs of an eye infection, it is important to see an eye doctor. Signs of an eye infection include: 

• Yellow discharge from the eyes
• Sensitivity to light 
• Redness
• Eye pain 

If you would like to ask whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600.