Come summer, and especially in India, there is no greater joy than a long, relaxing swim! Swimming id good exercise, soothes the tired muscles and nerves, has little to no impact on the joints, and is very relaxing. However, those of us with sensitive eyes, need to careful when swimming. Here is all you need to know about how to protect your eyes when swimming.
Swimming washes away you tears
The tear film is a thin layer of tears which coats, and protects our eyes. It keeps our eyes moist, clear, lubricated and protected. Prolonged exposure to water washes away the protective tear film. Moreover, the chemicals and disinfectants on the pool, including chlorine, can irritate the eyes. Which is why you’ll notice that your eyes are often uncomfortable and red, after swimming.
Causes of red eyes after swimming
If you swim frequently, you may notice that your eyes feel dry, sore and gritty. You may also feel that your vision is getting blurred. This is because of dry eyes.
Chlorine and other chemicals can cause eye allergies, or allergic conjunctivitis.
Sometimes, you will also pick up an eye infection from the pool. These may be viral, or bacterial conjunctivitis.
How to Protect Your Eyes when Swimming
Here are 5 ways to keep your eyes healthy while swimming.
Wear Swimming Goggles
Wear well fitting swimming goggles when you swim. Goggles keep the water, and harmful chemicals out of your eyes. This ensures that your tear film, and therefore, your eyes, remain healthy.
Wash Your Closed Eyes Once You Step out of the Pool
Wash your closed eyes with fresh , drinking water. This helps by washing off all the chlorine and other harmful chemicals from your eyelids and eyelashes. Do not splash water inside the eyes.
Use Lubricating Eye Drops
Use over-the-counter lubricating eye drops, or those that your doctor has prescribed. You must use them before and after swimming. They form a protective layer over your eyes, when you use them before swimming. The eyedrops also replenish the tear film after the swim. In case you have very dry eyes, your doctor may also suggest using a lubricating gel before putting on your goggles. Your doctor may also suggest preservative free formulations, if your eyes are extra sensitive.
Do NOT wear contact lenses in the pool
You must not wear your contact lenses while swimming. If you are unable to manage without your corrective lenses, please use powered swimming goggles.
Using contact lenses in the pool can put you at risk of sight threatening eye infections. Acanthamoeba keratitis, an ulcer of the cornea, is a dreaded infection that can be potentially blinding.
Stay Hydrated
Don’t forget to drink plenty of water this summer. Swimming is a very effective exercise, and needs you to stay hydrated. Proper hydration ensures that your eyes will be healthy and moist too.
Remember your omega 3
You don’t need expensive supplements. Good dietary sources for Omega-3 fatty acids include fatty fish, walnuts and flaxseeds. Remember, you need to roast and grind your flaxseeds before eating them.
See your doctor is problems persist
In case your eyes are bothering you, please do not ignore your symptoms. Please contact your eye doctor, and she will help you find a solution for them. Any red eyes, blurring of vision, which is with or without pain, if persistent, requires medical attention. Any red eyes or blurring of vision, if you have been using contact lenses, is a medical emergency.
Stay safe this summer. Happy swimming!
