Summer is around the corner, which means you'll likely start heading to the pool to exercise, have fun, and keep cool. However, if you love to swim, you might dread the familiar burning, itchy sensation that occurs when you open your eyes underwater. Irritation and dry eye are just a few effects of swimming in a chlorinated pool. The following guide explores the impact chlorine has on the eyes and how you can prevent discomfort and damage.

How Does Chlorine Affect Your Eyes?

Chlorine is a valuable chemical used to break down harmful contaminants like bacteria. While it keeps pools clean, it can also wash away your eye’s tear film if you spend too much time in the water. This thin layer of tears keeps the eyes moist and your vision clear. 

When the tear film is compromised, your eyes become red and irritated. They won't be able to produce an adequate amount of quality tears, resulting in an uncomfortable condition known as dry eye. 

Another problem swimmers often experience is an eye infection. Without a protective layer, the eye is susceptible to bacteria. Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is a common bacterial infection characterized by itching, swelling, and redness around the eye.

How Can You Protect Your Eyes?

As long as you take precautions, you can prevent these issues and keep your eyes healthy while in the water. Putting on a pair of goggles is the easiest and most effective form of protection. Swim goggles block water and chlorine from reaching the eyes, maintaining the structural integrity of the tear film. 

It's also important to take out contact lenses before getting into a pool. Bacteria can latch onto the surfaces of the lenses, increasing your risk of developing an infection.

Before swimming, use over-the-counter eye drops to strengthen the tear film and keep the eyes hydrated. Rinse your eyes with clean water as soon as you exit the pool. This will flush out any chemical residue that may be attached to the eyelids, eyelashes, and eyebrows. Add more eye drops once you’re clean to replenish any damaged tear film.

If you’re dealing with dry eye and irritation after swimming, the professionals at Tri-State Eye will help. With convenient offices in Middletown, NY, and Milford, PA, these eye doctors offer comprehensive services for vision loss and a variety of eye conditions. With cutting-edge diagnostic tools and treatments, they're committed to finding the best solutions for your eye problems. Learn more about their services online. To schedule an appointment, call (845) 703-2020 for their Middletown location or (570) 296-9696 to reach the Milford office.