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Have you ever enjoyed an afternoon at the local swimming pool only to have itchy and red eyes when you get out? This discomfort doesn’t necessarily mean you need to seek eye care. The reason for this issue is likely due to chlorine. Chlorine is a sanitizer applied in pools to get rid of bugs and bacteria. However, chlorine is a chemical and should be treated with caution. Here are some pointers on why chlorine affects your eyes, and what you can do to protect them when you’re in the pool.

The Impact of Chlorine On Your Eyes

While chlorine is efficient at reducing the number of bugs and bacteria that you come into contact with during a swim session, the chemical can also strip away the tear film of your eye. This is the thin layer that protects your cornea. With the tear film gone, your eyes are vulnerable to harmful pool contaminants. It is actually the surviving bugs and bacteria that make your eyes sore, not the chlorine itself.

How to Practice Healthy Eye Care When in the Pool

You can add extra Eye carelayers of protection to your eyes during and after swimming. Wear water-tight eye goggles to prevent nasty germs from getting in, and use conditioning eye drops as soon as you get out of the pool. This will help cleanse and soothe sore eyes. If you’re a contact-lens wearer, water can get trapped between the lens and your eye, increasing the risk of long-term problems. If possible, remove your contact lenses before you go swimming. If you cannot do that, avoid opening your eyes underwater and take the lenses out and clean them immediately after swimming. If the irritation persists, schedule an eye care appointment with your eye doctor.

 

The team at Midwest Eye Center: A Division of TriState Centers for Sight in Cincinnati, OH, is the number one choice for specialist eye care in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky regions. You can rest assured that your eye health is in the very best hands with their team of board-certified experts. They offer surgical and non-surgical treatment for eye diseases, including dry eyes, cataracts, glaucoma, and LASIK laser eye surgery. Call (800) 300-EYES (3937) or visit their website to contact the team and schedule an appointment. Follow them on Facebook for useful articles and fun facts on how to keep your eyes healthy and in peak condition.

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