Ways to Protect Your Eyes from Chlorine

Pool season is just around the corner! While swimming is a great way to have fun and stay in shape, it can be harmful to your eyes. That's because many swimming pools contain chlorine and other harsh chemicals that can irritate your eyes and even lead to an infection.

Here are four easy ways to protect your eyes when enjoying the pool this summer:

1. Wear goggles
   While exposing your eyes to chlorine won't cause any permanent damage, it can be quite painful. It's a good idea to wear watertight goggles when swimming to protect your eyes from becoming dry, irritated and watery. As a bonus, goggles let you see clearly underwater so you can enjoy exploring your surroundings.
   
   
2. Stay hydrated
   Chlorine significantly dries out your skin, hair and eyes. That's why it's important to drink plenty of water before and after swimming. In addition, staying hydrated helps keep your eyes moist and prevents them from becoming red and irritated.
   
   
3. Use eye drops
   It's recommended that you use over-the-counter lubricating or gel eye drops before and after swimming to help keep your tear film balanced and your eyes comfortable. If you have chronic dry eyes, you should check with your optometrist to determine if prescription eye drops would work better for you.
   
   
4. Rinse out your eyes 
   As soon as you're finished swimming, thoroughly wash your eyes and face with fresh water to remove any lingering chemicals from your eyebrows, eyelashes and eyelids. In addition, avoid rubbing your eyes until you've washed your hands, as your fingers could still be coated in chlorine.
   
   

Lastly, it would be best if you never swam while wearing contact lenses, as the space between your eye and the contact lens is a breeding ground for bacteria. In addition, contact lenses tend to shrink when exposed to water, which can lead to irritation. If you do require glasses or contact lenses to see while swimming, you should talk with your optometrist about getting prescription goggles to help keep your vision clear and your eyes healthy in the pool.