Keeping Your Vision Clear

Swimming is a fantastic way to stay fit and have fun, especially during the warm summer months. However, frequent exposure to pool water can pose serious risks to your eye health. This summer, be sure to prioritize your eye care while enjoying your time in the water.

Understanding the Impact of Chlorine on Eyes

Chlorine is commonly used in swimming pools to kill bacteria and keep the water clean. However, it can also have negative effects on your eyes. Chlorine can strip away the tear film that protects your eyes, leading to irritation, redness, and a burning sensation. This discomfort can last for several hours after swimming. Additionally, prolonged exposure to chlorinated water can cause dryness by disrupting the natural lubrication of your eyes. Dry eyes can be uncomfortable and may affect your vision.

While chlorine is effective at killing many harmful microorganisms, it doesn’t eliminate all of them. Thus, it’s important to properly maintain your pool to reduce the risk of contracting eye infections like conjunctivitis (pink eye).

The Benefits of Swim Goggles

Wearing swim goggles is one of the best ways to protect your eyes from the harmful effects of chlorine and other irritants in pool water. Goggles provide a protective barrier that keeps chlorine and other chemicals away from your eyes, reducing irritation and redness. However, we recommend using goggles with adjustable straps and a good seal to prevent water from leaking through the cracks.

Swimming with Contact Lenses

If possible, avoid wearing contact lenses in the pool. Contact lenses are like little sponges, soaking up any bacteria, chemicals, or debris that get in your eyes while swimming. If you continue to wear them after getting out of the water, you prolong your exposure to these potentially harmful contaminants. However, if you must wear contact lenses, opt for daily disposable lenses and dispose of them immediately after swimming to reduce the risk of contamination. Additionally, always wear swim goggles over your contact lenses to protect your eyes from chlorine and bacteria. This combination offers an added layer of protection.

Tips for Competitive Swimmers

Competitive swimmers spend a lot of time in the pool, making eye care even more critical.

1. Use high-quality goggles: Invest in high-quality swim goggles offering UV protection and anti-fog features. This will enhance your performance and protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.
2. Take breaks: Give your eyes a break between training sessions. Remove your goggles and blink frequently to moisten your eyes and reduce strain.
3. Rinse your eyes: After swimming, rinse your eyes with fresh water or use lubricating eye drops to flush out any residual chlorine and soothe irritation.

Swimming is a great summer activity, and doing so safely by protecting your eyes from the potential risks associated with pool water is essential. By understanding the impact of chlorine, using swim goggles, taking care of your eyes as a competitive swimmer, and following guidelines for swimming with contact lenses, you can enjoy clear and comfortable vision all summer long.

For additional questions or a comprehensive eye exam, make an appointment or stop by our Better Vision New Jersey office today!