Swimming is a fun pastime. Whether you swim for the fitness and health benefits, or  love the relaxing feel of being in the water, swimming pools and natural bodies of water each present a potential eye care risk.

Swimming pools use the chemicals to disinfect and kill bacteria inside the pool. Swimming under water with your eyes open can be harmful to your eyes. It can cause redness, itchiness, inflammation, and even chemical or allergic conjunctivitis (pink eye). In order to protect your eyes, always wear swimming goggles. Oceans, rivers, lakes, also present an eye care hazard. These natural bodies of water can also have bacteria, man-made pollutants, and animal waste in them, so it is very important to protect your eyes.

Just because you wear contacts, doesn’t mean your eyes will be protected. In fact, it isn’t recommended that you wear contacts while swimming under water. It is very easy to lose them, and the chances of finding them under water are very small. Also, it is easier for microorganisms to get stuck onto the contact lens and increase the possibility of infection. It is best practice to get used to wearing goggles whenever you go swimming. If goggles aren’t available then make sure to close your eyes when under water. If you do experience irritation after swimming, use artificial teardrops to clean your eyes and reduce irritation. If the discomfort persists, contact your eye doctor.

If you have any questions on ways to protect your eyes while swimming, or require any Los Angeles eye care services, call us at 877-871-1684.

 

 

 

 

Leave a reply