How to Protect Your Eyes from Chlorine While Swimming
Pool season is just around the corner! Whether you’re taking a refreshing dip, swimming laps, or just lounging in the water, protecting your eyes should be a top priority. While swimming is a fantastic way to stay fit and cool off, the chlorine and other chemicals used to keep pool water clean can irritate your eyes and even increase the risk of eye infections.
Chlorine is essential for keeping pools free of bacteria, but too much exposure can lead to red, itchy, and dry eyes. In some cases, it may even disrupt your tear film, leaving your eyes feeling gritty and uncomfortable.
So how can you safeguard your vision while still enjoying the pool? Here are four simple ways to protect your eyes when swimming this summer.
1. Wear Swim Goggles for Maximum Protection
The best way to protect your eyes from chlorine and harsh pool chemicals is to wear watertight swim goggles.
Why goggles are essential:
- Prevent direct contact between chlorine and your eyes.
- Reduce the risk of dryness, irritation, and redness.
- Enhance your vision underwater, allowing you to swim more comfortably.
- Protect against contaminants and bacteria that could cause eye infections.
For contact lens wearers, prescription swim goggles are an excellent investment. Never swim with regular contact lenses, as water can trap bacteria between your lens and eye, leading to serious infections.
2. Stay Hydrated for Better Eye Health
Did you know? Chlorine not only dries out your skin and hair—it also affects your eyes.
How hydration helps:
- Drinking plenty of water before and after swimming helps maintain healthy tear production.
- Well-hydrated eyes are less likely to become red, itchy, or irritated.
- Staying hydrated reduces dry eye symptoms caused by chlorine exposure.
Pro tip: Pair hydration with a well-balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts) to keep your eyes naturally moist.
3. Use Lubricating Eye Drops
Even with goggles and hydration, some chlorine exposure is inevitable. That’s where lubricating eye drops come in handy!
Why use eye drops?
- They help flush out any lingering chlorine or pool chemicals.
- They restore moisture and relieve dryness and irritation.
- For contact lens wearers, using drops before and after swimming keeps your eyes more comfortable.
When to use them:
- Before swimming: Apply a drop or two to help protect your tear film.
- After swimming: Use eye drops to rinse out any chlorine and keep your eyes hydrated.
If you have chronic dry eyes, talk to your optometrist about prescription eye drops that may provide longer-lasting relief.
4. Rinse Your Eyes Immediately After Swimming
After getting out of the pool, it’s essential to remove lingering chlorine from your eyes and face.
How to properly rinse your eyes:
- Splash fresh, clean water on your face to wash away chlorine.
- Gently rinse your eyelids, eyelashes, and eyebrows—these areas trap pool chemicals.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can spread irritants and increase discomfort.
- If you experience prolonged irritation, apply a cool compress to soothe your eyes.
Bonus Tip: Never Swim with Contact Lenses
Wearing contacts in the pool is a big no-no!
Why?
- Water can trap bacteria between the contact lens and your eye, increasing the risk of serious infections.
- Chlorine and chemicals can alter the shape of your contact lenses, making them uncomfortable or even causing them to stick to your eyes.
- Contacts absorb water, leading to blurry vision and discomfort.
If you need corrective lenses while swimming, talk to your optometrist about prescription swim goggles or daily disposable contacts, which can be discarded immediately after swimming.
Protect Your Vision with Professional Eye Care in Edmonton
At Optometrists’ Clinic Inc., we’re dedicated to helping you maintain healthy vision all year round! Whether you need prescription swim goggles, contact lens alternatives, or expert advice, we’re here to help.
With five locations in Edmonton, Leduc, and Westlock, our experienced team provides comprehensive eye exams and personalized eye care solutions for patients of all ages.
Ready to protect your eyes this summer? Contact us today to book an appointment!
