Constant exposure to water increases certain risks to our vision. Among the consequences of opening the eyes in the swimming pool, for example, are infections, irritations, or traumatism that are solved progressively or with an appropriate topical treatment established by the professionals of the eye clinics. This is mostly due to the salinity of the water or to the contact with the components used to treat it.
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Can You Get Pink Eye From swimming In The pool?
Not all cases have to be serious. The main factor is that it increases the likelihood of developing a condition, which, depending on the severity, may require professional treatment to reduce the consequences.
In addition, it is not always possible to know with what elements the pools are cleaned or what residues have been deposited in the sea, so it is better to prevent from the beginning the risk of contracting any disease.
Beyond the external eyewash, which is usually beneficial and helpful, especially in people who spend many hours a day in front of a screen, constant contact with unknown particles is not a wise decision or a practice that should become recurrent. Although nowadays sanitary measures in swimming pools are very effective and safe, they are not always 100% risk-free.
Excessive chlorine, fungi, dead cells, and chemical products, among other elements, can be factors that can cause the eyes to suffer some affection. For this reason, it is essential to take preventive measures and care every time you are aware that you will be in contact with water.
Using diving or swimming goggles is one of the main recommendations suggested by ophthalmology experts to avoid these inconveniences.
What To Do When Your Eyes Turn Pink From The Pool?
When faced with irritation, the most important thing is to avoid excessive friction or scratching of the eyes, as this not only increases the discomfort but also seriously affects the eye structure.
The best thing to do is to perform a wash focused on recovering hydration, this can be achieved through over-the-counter artificial tears, which, although they are a momentary solution to the problem, provide comfort and pain relief while the severity of the problem is evaluated.
The right thing to do in these conditions is to keep the tear film stable; if the natural salt composition is not broken, the eye will maintain its ocular stability. When this scenario is not the case, the most common symptoms are blurred vision, and red, dry eyes. On the other hand, in case of high inflammation, conjunctivitis may occur.
Read: Can Swimming Pool Cause Yeast Infection?
How To Avoid Pink Eyes After Being In The Water?
The main thing is to have preventive measures before entering the pool, as we have already mentioned above, anticipating inconveniences is the most effective method to maintain proper visual health. Here are some practices you can implement:
Goggles or swimming goggles.
Wearing goggles is one of the most effective protective strategies to anticipate any risk of acquiring any eye disease in the sea, pool, or lake. They allow us to open our eyes with peace of mind and confidence since they prevent fluids from entering. It is important that they meet the appropriate quality standards so that their purpose is fully achieved.
Do not open your eyes underwater
One of the most common habits is to enter the water and swim underwater with your eyes open, which makes you more prone to bacteria, fungi, or parasites. Painful infections can develop, damaging the cornea and even causing vision loss. If you are not going to wear goggles to be able to see underwater, keep your eyes closed and make it a habit.
Do not bathe with contact lenses
People who wear contact lenses should avoid using them when they come into contact with water since bacteria tend to lodge in them more easily, causing eye conditions such as infections and irritations.
In addition, they make you more prone to suffer from dry eyes, which means that there is no good lubrication or cleaning; however, this varies according to the habits of each person.
Showering before and after going into the water
This measure is effective since it eliminates traces of sunscreen and other elements that may cause an allergic reaction when they come into contact with the eyes. Likewise, after a day in the water, it is easier to eliminate salt residues among other substances. Remember that during the shower, the smartest way to do it is to avoid rubbing the eyes excessively.
Enter places that look healthy and hygienic.
If you notice that the water in the pool you want to enter does not look very good or is even dirty, you should avoid going in because you can surely contract bacteria or viruses. It is best to go to facilities where you can be confident that the water is well treated and that they comply with all the relevant protocols to ensure your health.
Read: Can You Go In A Swimming Pool With An Open Wound
How To Get Rid Of Pink Eyes From The Pool or Sea?
Pink eyes are synonymous when you have been in the water for a long time, in that case, the best thing to do is to take a break, get away, and dry your eyes gently.
If you feel your vision is irritated, look for a shady place, relax for a few minutes and if possible, apply artificial tears that offer you rest. When you feel that you are recovered, you can swim or practice some water sport, but first, make sure that you are free of discomfort.
What Eye Diseases Can You Contract In The Sea Or In The Swimming Pool?
Although this depends on the particularities of each case, the main conditions are:
Follicular viral conjunctivitis.
The most typical disease of the swimming pools is the one we commonly call “red-eye”, it consists of an irritation that generates stinging, a sensation of grit, tearing, hypersensitivity to the light, and reddening.
Conjunctivitis is a contagious pathology, so it is recommended in these cases to suspend the practice of swimming or the entrance to wet places in order to avoid the spread of this condition.
Hyposphagma
This typical affectation is due to water sports -such as scuba diving- where pressure changes may cause ocular effusion that, although it does not have serious consequences, may generate some discomfort. For this type of case, your ophthalmologist may recommend artificial tears to reduce them.
Eye stings
Due to the risk of being in contact with marine animals, they can attack the eyelids and sometimes damage the cornea or conjunctiva causing a chemical burn, which should be immediately treated by professionals who are part of the ophthalmology clinics. These stings can be caused by jellyfish or any other animal.
