Protecting Your Eyes Underwater
Spending time in the water is one of summer's great pleasures.
That's true whether you're doing laps at the pool, snorkeling on vacation, or splashing around at the lake, but water, especially treated or open water, poses real risks to your eyes. Understanding those risks and taking a few simple precautions can keep your vision sharp all season long.
Why Water Is Hard on Your Eyes
The surface of your eye, called the cornea, is naturally protected by a thin layer of tears. Water, particularly chlorinated pool water, disrupts this tear film. Chlorine is an effective disinfectant, but it's also an irritant. Repeated or prolonged exposure can strip away the oils that keep your tear film stable, leading to dryness, redness, and that familiar burning sensation after a swim.
Open water carries its own hazards. Lakes, rivers, and oceans can harbor bacteria, parasites, and microorganisms that thrive in natural environments. One of the more serious risks is Acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare but potentially vision-threatening infection caused by a microscopic organism found in fresh water. Though uncommon, it is disproportionately linked to contact lens wear in or near water.
Contact Lenses and Water Don't Mix
This is one of the most important guidelines in eye care: contact lenses should never be worn while swimming, in a hot tub, or in the shower. Contacts act like sponges. They can absorb waterborne microorganisms and hold them directly against your cornea for extended periods, dramatically increasing infection risk. Even a quick dip can be enough for harmful bacteria to take hold.
If you wore contacts in the water accidentally, remove them as soon as possible, discard them if they are disposable, and rinse your eyes thoroughly. Watch for symptoms like pain, increased sensitivity to light, or blurred vision in the days that follow, and contact your eye doctor if any arise.
The Case for Swim Goggles
A well-fitting pair of swim goggles is the single most effective tool for protecting your eyes in the water. They create a watertight seal that keeps chlorine, bacteria, and debris away from your cornea entirely. For frequent swimmers, goggles are a worthwhile investment, and for children especially, making goggles a habit early sets a healthy precedent.
Prescription swim goggles are available for those who need vision correction, offering a practical and safe alternative to contacts in the water. Your eye doctor can help you determine the right lens power for your needs.
After-Swim Eye Care
Even with goggles, it's good practice to rinse your eyes with clean, fresh water after swimming. Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can help restore moisture and comfort if your eyes feel dry or irritated. Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can introduce additional irritants and increase inflammation.
When to See Your Eye Doctor
Mild redness that clears up within a few hours is typically harmless. But if you experience persistent redness, eye pain, unusual discharge, light sensitivity, or any change in vision after time in the water, schedule an appointment promptly. Infections caught early are much easier to treat!