Swimming can be incredibly refreshing, especially in hot weather. But going in the water isn’t so rejuvenating when it comes to personal eye care. Without proper protection, components found in water can lead to problems that require care from an optometrist. To protect your eyes this summer, learn about swimming’s impact on ocular health.

Why Shouldn’t You Swim Without Goggles?

Wearing a reliable pair of goggles will not only give you a crystal-clear view when you’re underwater, but also shield your eyes from harmful components. Natural bodies of water and the ocean contain salt, sand, bacteria, and other microorganisms that can contaminate the eyes, cause dryness and irritation, and increase your risk of infection.

Swimming pool water is no less harmful. Though it may be treated with chlorine, the chemical can damage the eye’s tear film, which will make it difficult for you to produce tears, leading to dryness, itchiness, and redness. While chlorine may kill many contaminants, some bacteria can survive, including those that cause pink eye.

Can You Swim With Contacts?

Even if you wear goggles, wearing contact lenses in the water is not recommended. If you’re exposed to the water, microorganisms and microbes can attach to the lenses and trigger a variety of conditions that may put your sight in danger. For example, Acanthamoeba keratitis is one condition in which a microorganism infects the eye and damages the cornea, resulting in possible vision loss. If you have trouble maintaining clear vision in the water, ask your optometrist about getting goggles with prescription lenses.

How Can You Protect Your Eyes While Swimming?

In addition to wearing goggles and taking your contact lenses out, you should always rinse your eyes with fresh water after swimming. This eye care practice will help remove chlorine and any other lingering contaminants. If you experience dryness after swimming, using artificial tear drops and staying hydrated are a few ways to prevent and relieve irritation.

Enhancing your eye care this summer is easy when you’re a patient of Edwin Y. Endo, OD & Associates. Dr. Endo offers convenient care for those in Honolulu, HI, and across Oahu, for which he’s earned the Best Optometrist award from the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. In addition to comprehensive vision exams, his team will introduce you to solutions that will help protect your eyes in the outdoors, such as prescription sunglasses and goggles, which you can explore online. To schedule an appointment, call (808) 487-5500.