Protecting Your Eyes While Swimming
While swimming is a great form of exercise and a relaxing way to cool down, it can be hard on your eyes.
We have a thin layer of tears called the tear film that coats the surface of the eye. It keeps our eyes moist, smooth and clear. Chlorine and other chemicals used to keep pool water clean can wash away your tear film. Without that tear film, your eyes can feel uncomfortable and red.
Swimming frequently can cause dry eye in some people. It can feel like they have grit in their eyes or their vision becomes blurry.
Here are 4 ways to keep your eyes healthy while swimming.
- Wear Goggles
Wear swim goggles every time you swim to keep chemicals out of your eyes. - Wash Your Eyes
Splash your closed eyes with fresh water immediately after swimming. This washes chlorine and other chemicals off your eyelids and lashes. - Use Eye Drops
Use artificial tears before and after swimming to keep the tear film balanced. - Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water keeps your eyes moist and comfortable.
You should never swim in contact lenses. Wearing contact lenses in any type of water, including a pool, hot tub, ocean, or lake, puts you at high risk for corneal infection. This can lead to corneal damage, pain, and even vision loss.
If you have redness, pain, blurry vision, discharge or eye swelling after swimming, see your eye doctor right away.