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Why do my Eyes turn Red after Swimming in a Pool, Swimmer’s Eyes?
Discover why chlorine may be the cause of your red eyes after swimming, learn about symptoms, prevention techniques, and treatment options.
One Minute Read Summary
•Chlorine in pools can cause red eyes, burning sensations, swollen eyelids, discharge from the eye(s), blurred vision, and light sensitivity - also known as Swimmer’s Eye or Red Eyes.
•Symptoms usually last a couple of hours but can last longer if not properly treated.
•To prevent Swimmer’s Eyes, rinse off pre and post-swim, use proper swimming techniques with eyes closed when getting water in them, always wear goggles, and stay hydrated.
•Treatment for Swimmer’s Eyes can include flushing the eyes with artificial tears or saline solution, using eyedrops to relieve irritation, and alternating between cold and warm compresses to reduce swelling.
•Don’t hesitate to consult a doctor if symptoms extend longer than two days
Read below for more information
Sapphire Pool Service - Miami’s most trusted pool care.
Are you a swimmer concerned about your red eyes? Chlorine can be to blame, but there's more than meets the eye! This is often caused by dry eyes and chlorine irritation. So if you experience any burning, redness, or swollen eyelids after swimming in the pool, it could be time for some new goggles.
Chlorine in pools disrupts our eye's protective tear film, making them red and irritated - not the best look for underwater selfies! Plus if bacteria is present, it increases your chance of catching pink-eye (also known as conjunctivitis). Be on guard when you smell strong chemical odors too: that could mean chloramines have built up from improperly treated water, which only adds to potential swimming hazards.
Symptoms related to Swimmer’s Eye
This condition is characterized by redness and itchiness around the eyes, minor symptoms that will soon pass with no need for treatment. However severe cases may cause additional discomforts such as stinging or burning sensations, swollen eyelids, discharge from the eye(s), blurred vision, and light sensitivity. If any of these apply to your situation it's important to seek immediate medical care
How long do the Symptoms last?
For most swimmers, those post-swim red eyes will only last for a couple of hours. But if the redness or irritation extends longer than two days with no sign of improvement after using drops, it could be time to call a doctor.
How to prevent Swimmer’s Eye (Red eyes)
You don't want your eyes to suffer after a dip in the pool.
•To prevent swimmer's eye, make sure you rinse off pre and post-swim
•Be sure proper swimming techniques are being used, which includes keeping eyes closed when getting water in them
•Bring along some goggles: they're an absolute must for keeping water out of contact lenses!
•Staying properly hydrated will help keep those peepers nice and healthy too, it’s important that our tear film has plenty of moisture!
What to do to treat Swimmer’s Eyes
Always consult a Doctor
•Start by flushing them with either artificial tears or sterile saline as soon as possible if there’s any chance that a foreign body got into your eye from the pool - wiping away those irritants fast will help recovery in no time flat! If you wear contact lenses while swimming, take 'em off ASAP and make sure not to put them back on until after properly washing your hands (and drying)
•Eye drops (Artificial tears) will help relieve chlorine-induced irritation. Just one drop at regular intervals should have them back to normal within 24 hours - if it takes longer than this though then be sure to consult an expert for some more help.
•You can also Alternate between cold and warm compresses to help reduce swelling and relieve irritation. Cool down that swelling with a compress or two
You may also be interested in Germs in a Pool & How to Prevent Them!
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