How to Prevent Eye Infections While Swimming This Summer

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Here are some tips from Golden Vision Optometry that can help you prevent your eyes from becoming infected while you practice safe swimming

Introduction

What could be more refreshing on a hot summer’s day than a dip in the pool, tanning at the beach, or hanging out at the lake? Although swimming is an excellent way to stay active and feel refreshed, the bacteria, chemicals, and other irritants that your eyes are exposed to will greatly increase the risk that they can become infected. You may only experience some itching or redness, but these can lead to more critical conditions such as conjunctivitis or Acanthamoeba keratitis. During the summer months, when the weather is hotter, we see many more of these eye infections, particularly if one is not careful.

Our team at Golden Vision Optometry is committed to making sure that your vision is protected while your summer is full of enjoyment. Using just a few techniques and proper guidance from us, your risk of getting an eye infection can be lowered quite a lot because we don’t want you to avoid swimming or your other enjoyable water activities. We’ll discuss the questions that many people have about eye infections from swimming. We’ll arm you with the necessary information you should be aware of so that your eyes will stay clear and be protected all summer.

Why Are Eye Infections More Common in the Summer?

We see more eye infections during the summer mainly because people are spending more time enjoying water activities. Swimming pools, lakes, and oceans contain microorganisms like viruses and bacteria that can irritate or even cause your eyes to become infected. This is even more prevalent if you wear contact lenses, where water may become trapped. This can also happen even if you are just rubbing your eyes, and your hands are not clean. When the air is warm and humid, a perfect situation for pathogens to breed is created for pathogens which can then lead to the spread of conjunctivitis (pink eye).

In addition, chlorine and other chemicals that kill bacteria are used in public swimming pools. The downside to these chemicals is that they are eye irritants and cause harm to the natural protective barrier that our eyes normally have. This leads to a quicker way to ensure that harmful microbes will get into people’s eyes and infect them. Since people spend more time outdoors during the summer and are involved in all sorts of water activities, unfortunately, many people forget their good hygiene routines. This can be the reason for the fact that we see more eye infections during the summer.

What Types of Eye Infections Can You Get from Swimming?

Swimmers and others who enjoy being in the water during the summer are aware that they are at a higher risk of eye infections. It doesn’t matter if the water activity is in a pool that uses chlorine, a lake, or even the ocean. Knowing the risks is key.

1. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye):

Bacteria, a virus or other irritants that may be found in a body of water can cause this. Someone who has contracted conjunctivitis may experience itching, an eye discharge, and a red or pink color to the eye.

2. Acanthamoeba Keratitis

This is a serious eye infection that is caused by a microscopic organism. We find this organism in all bodies of water, like lakes, as well as swimming pools that have not been chlorinated. We even find them in hot tubs. People who wear contact lenses are at a higher risk because water can get trapped.

3. Bacterial Keratitis

This infection of the cornea generally goes hand in hand with being in contact with contaminated water. It can even come from poor contact lens hygiene, and it is really very uncomfortable. Symptoms can include pain, redness, and blurry eyesight.

4. Viral Conjunctivitis:

This is another very contagious eye disease because it spreads very fast among people who are in close proximity to one another when they are all in the water. The viruses that cause it are known as adenoviruses.

5. Fungal Eye Infections

(Rare): These eye infections are quite rare. They generally happen when a person has been in dirty water or water that has not been decontaminated. It is even more common if the eye has been irritated or has an injury.

Can Chlorine Protect Your Eyes from Infection?

Although chlorine is often used to decontaminate swimming pools against viruses and harmful bacteria, It isn’t going to completely protect against one’s eyes becoming infected. It can certainly lessen the amount of pathogens in the water, but they will not all be eliminated. Some pathogens are more resistant to chlorine, such as Acanthamoeba. Also, chlorine itself is an eye irritant because it can wash away the natural tear film of our eyes that protects its surface. When this happens. Our eyes are more likely to become infected. For these reasons, it is highly recommended that people engaging in water activities wear goggles.

How Can You Protect Your Eyes in Pools and Open Water?

Rule Number One for swimmers to protect their eyes is to be sure to wear swim goggles that fit well. The barrier they make between your eyes and the water chemicals, debris, and bacteria that are found in the water, is highly protective of your eyes. Contact lens wearers are advised to remove them prior to engaging in water activities. Another option for contact lens users is to use disposable lenses as well as goggles. All these precautions will lessen the possibility of getting an eye infection.

Besides wearing goggles, swimmers should be careful not to rub their eyes if their hands are wet or not clean because this is a sure way of transferring the bacteria right back to the surface of their eyes. As soon as possible, right after taking a swim, be sure that you wash your face and your eyes with clean, fresh water so that any irritants or microbes that are still there will get washed away. It’s also wise to shower before getting into a swimming pool. Using artificial tears after you’ve been in the water will help to keep the tear film of your eyes in a healthy condition. This can lessen the amount of dryness or that uncomfortable feeling that you might otherwise experience.

What Should You Do If Your Eyes Burn or Itch After Swimming?

The first thing to do after taking a swim if your eyes are burning or itching is to gently rinse them. This rinsing can help get rid of any traces of chlorine, salt, or debris that is still there. Using artificial tears that are free of preservatives can lessen the irritation and help bring the natural moisture of your eye back to its surface. Try to remember not to rub your eyes because the rubbing can only exacerbate the situation. It might even bring more bacteria into your eyes. If, after following these suggestions, and the redness, discharge or blurred vision continues, make sure to see your eye care specialist as soon as possible for diagnosis and a course of treatment.

How Can an Eye Doctor Help You Swim Safely All Summer?

Your eye doctor can help you to be sure that your summer of swimming is also a safe summer. You will get a complete exam that will look for any irritation or infection. Your eye care specialist will also suggest tips on the best ways to protect your eyes while you are in the water, as well as suggestions for proper swim goggles. Recommendations relating to the wearing of contact lenses while you are enjoying your favorite water activities will also be made.

Your eye care specialist can also suggest treatments or even eye drops that can keep your eyes from becoming dry or irritated by the chlorine or the salt in the water. If you swim a lot, the specialist will formulate a plan tailored to your specific needs. These will all lead to your having healthy, comfortable, and happy eyes all summer long.

How Can Golden Vision Optometry Help Protect Your Eyes This Summer

By giving you complete eye exams, our team here at Golden Vision Optometry can help keep your eyes protected all summer long. These exams will pick up early signs that your eyes are irritated or have become infected from water activities or other exposures to the outdoors. We can suggest tips on how to safely wear your contact lenses while you are in the water, as well as recommend other tips for using daily disposables and prescription swimming goggles. We will also suggest preventative treatments like eye drops that are soothing and helpful in preventing dryness and inflammation. For our patients who swim a lot or who have sensitive eyes, our team will create a tailor-made plan that will keep their eyes comfortable and healthy. By following our plan, you can be sure that your summer will be an enjoyable one.

Reach out to Golden Vision and book an appointment for personalized advice and support tailored to your unique needs.

FAQs

We do not recommend that you swim while wearing your contact lenses because bacteria and other microorganisms can be trapped by the water under the lenses. This raises the risk of a serious eye infection. If wearing contacts while swimming is a necessity, it is advised that you use daily disposables as well as swimming goggles for eye protection. It is absolutely necessary that you remove the lenses right after you’ve been in the water and clean them correctly so that you minimize the risk of your eyes becoming infected.
It is well known that water activities like swimming in a pool, a lake, or even the ocean will subject your eyes to coming into contact with bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. These organisms can cause your eyes to get infections like conjunctivitis. However, by taking the proper precautions to protect your eyes, you will greatly minimize this risk.
Goggles certainly can protect your eyes because they stand in the way of water and any other harmful irritants from making direct contact with your eyes. If the goggles fit really well, they can greatly lessen the risk of your eyes becoming irritated or infected.
Be sure to rinse your eyes with water that is fresh and clean. Also be sure to use artificial tears that are free of preservatives. They can soothe the irritation you are feeling. Finally, make sure that you do not rub your eyes. If, however, after following all of these tips, you still have these symptoms, be sure to contact your eye care professional.
Some of the symptoms you’ll notice are reddish-looking eyes, a discharge, eye pain and itchy eyes. You may also have blurry vision. If you spot these symptoms after having been in the water, be sure to get in touch with your eye doctor quickly.

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