Everyone loves a good summer swim, especially with the warm weather we have been experiencing. Whether you’re enjoying a local lake, a family or friend’s pool, or even taking a trip to the ocean, swimming safety is important to consider, including keeping your eyes safe.
Avid and lifelong swimmers might know that swimming can be a cause of dry eye, but this can happen anytime you go swimming. Being in the water can decrease tear production or reduce the quality of tears. This can make the eyes feel gritty and/or make vision blurry.
Here are some tips to prevent or reduce dry eye and keep your eyes safe while swimming:
- Wear waterproof swim goggles. Goggles protect your eyes from chlorine and other chemicals in swimming pools, as well as from microorganisms in fresh or salt water. Chlorine and other pool chemicals can cause eye irritation and make your eyes feel dry, red, and itchy. Microorganisms found in fresh and salt water can sometimes cause infection on the surface of the eye, which in severe cases could lead to loss of vision.
- Never wear your contact lenses while swimming. Contact lenses can cause tiny micro-abrasions on the surface of the eye, which can cause infection when exposed to contaminated water. Wear prescription waterproof swim goggles instead. Consult your eye doctor about the different types of swim goggles available.
Here is what you should do after swimming:
- Rinse your closed eyes with clean water to remove any chlorine or other chemicals from your eyelids and eyelashes.
- Use artificial tears to add moisture to the surface of your eyes and restore the tear film.
- Don’t rub your eyes.
- Stay hydrated to help keep your eyes comfortable.
And, don’t forget! Always wear sunglasses when outdoors (whether swimming or otherwise) to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays.
If you have concerns, speak with your eye doctor so you can enjoy time in the water all summer long.
This information in this post is for general educational purposes only and does not warrant or represent any information as related to health as specifically appropriate for you. It is not intended to be medical advice or replace the relationship that you have with your health care providers. You should always seek medical advice on any diagnosis or treatment from a qualified health care provider. The information is provided “as is” without any representations or warranties, express or implied.
