Do your eyes feel itchy, dry or red after swimming? Keeping your eyes healthy while swimming is key!
Whether you are swimming at the beach, in the pool or at an indoor water park, eye irritation is a common complaint. Salt water and chemicals, like chlorine, wash away the moist layer that coats the surface of your eyes, drying them out. This is what causes your eyes to be red and itchy after swimming. If you want to keep your eyes healthy while swimming, give these 5 tips a try.
#1: Wear goggles while swimming
Whenever possible, wear goggles! Goggles will keep the salt or pool chemicals from entering your eyes, keeping your eyes healthy and allowing you to enjoy more time in the water. They come in a variety of price ranges and styles, including non-prescription or prescription.
When you’re done swimming, clean your goggles to remove any bacteria. Use lukewarm water to rinse the lenses and then dry them with a microfiber cloth. You can use soapy water to clean the straps, but be careful not to get the soap on the lenses or inside the goggles and it will strip away the anti-fog coating. After washing your goggles, let them air dry in a flat position.
#2: Wash your eyes after a swim
Even if you always wear goggles to keep your eyes from getting red while swimming, rinsing your eyes after swimming is key to keeping your eyes healthy. Start by washing your hands with soap and water. Then splash your closed eyes with fresh water to remove any salt or chemicals from your eyelashes, eyelids or face. After washing, you can find relief from itchy, dry or red eyes by using a clean, damp washcloth and holding it against your eyes.
#3: Drink water to stay hydrated
Keep your eyes healthy and improve your overall health by drinking plenty of water. According to Harvard Health Publishing, most people need about four to six cups of plain water each day. You will supply your body with the nutrients it needs to keep your eyes moist. Plus, your body (and your teeth!) will thank you.
#4: Take out your contacts before you swim
Unfortunately, wearing contact lenses while swimming will not keep your eyes healthy. The American Optometric Association recommends that you avoid going into water while you’re wearing contact lenses. This is because wearing contact lenses while swimming can attract bacteria and dirt that will increase your risk of an eye infection. If you have trouble seeing in the water without your contacts, you can buy prescription goggles
If you forget to remove your contacts before swimming, don’t stress. Just remove them as soon as possible. Rinse them with a contact lens cleaning solution or saline solution and splash your eyes with water or rinse them with a saline solution.
#5: Visit your eye doctor
If you’re still worried about keeping your eyes healthy while swimming, you can also reach out to your eye doctor. And, as a reminder, keeping your eyes healthy includes getting an annual eye exam! DeltaVision® members can find an in-network vision provider by visiting deltadentalaz.com/find and clicking the “Find Vision Providers” button.
For more tips on staying safe and healthy while swimming, check out these Smile Safety Tips for Summer Swimmers.
