With summer in full swing, swimming keeps you cool while providing an array of benefits, including enhanced cardio, muscle strengthening, and improved endurance with low risks of injuries. However, after a fun day in the water, you may find your eyes itchy, burning, and dry.
Is this discomfort due to opening your eyes underwater or splashing water into them? Indeed, exposure to pool water could present you dry eye symptoms, which can range from mild irritation to more persistent discomfort. But, what can be reassuring is that dry eye symptoms can be relieved with proper management.
Why are you experiencing dry eye symptoms after swimming?
Have you experienced redness and itching of your eyes after a dip in the pool? This condition, often called “swimmer’s eye” can manifest as a range of irritation symptoms, including dry eye! The symptoms can vary in severity from person to person, with common issues like irritation, itching, and redness. Initially, the symptoms might be mild, but if left untreated, they can become more severe and persistent - blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and inflammation. Dry eye can make your daily life less enjoyable and even bring your mood down! [1]
But can pool water really be the cause of this increasing discomfort?
Chlorine, a widely used disinfectant in pools, is essential for hygiene but can also be harsh on the eyes. Chlorine and other chemicals strip away the natural oils and moisture that protect your eyes, disrupting the tear film and leading to dryness and irritation. Lifeguards and trainers as well as children who use swimming pools can experience more frequent red and watery eyes! [2,3]
Even if you don’t dive underwater, you might still experience dry and irritated eyes from pool exposure. The air around indoor pools often contain chlorine, which, combined with low humidity, can lead to ocular discomfort. Workers at indoor pools often report red, itchy eyes due to these factors. [3] Outdoor pools can present similar risks, especially in windy or sunny conditions, which can accelerate tear evaporation and contribute to eye irritation. [4] Although the symptoms can be bothersome, there are ways to find comfort and relief.
Ways to help you enjoy pool time without worrying about dry eye symptoms
Here are a few proactive steps you can take while swimming:
Wear goggles: Using goggles can help reduce dry eye symptoms. Goggles can prevent the eyes from chlorinated water and relieve swimmer’s eye symptoms. In a study, 99% of the participants reported a decrease in their ocular symptoms after wearing goggles! [5]
Rinse your eyes: rinsing your eyes with a saline solution or fresh water can help wash away residual chlorine. [6]
These steps may temporarily relieve dry eye symptoms. For those who continue to experience irritation, using dry eye treatments can make a significant difference.
HYLO® lubricating eye drops provide long-lasting lubrication, helping to restore the eyes’ tear film after swimming. With the NEW HYLO® mini, it is easier to find long-lasting relief of dry eye symptoms.
A starter pack size at a starter price – easier first-time HYLO® therapy with 150 drops!
High-quality sodium hyaluronate for long-lasting lubrication
Preservative free and phosphate free
HYLO® bottle technology provides safe, multi-dose, and airless delivery, dispensing one drop at a time
A liposomal suspension that mimics and stabilizes the natural lipid layer of the tear film.
Offers immediate comfort and humidification of the eyes and eyelids
Preservative free and phosphate free
Ideal for those who dislike eye drops
Swimming doesn’t have to be off-limits, especially for those with dry eye, but it does require some extra care and attention. With HYLO® and CALMO® Eye Spray, you can continue to enjoy the water while minimizing discomfort.
You can find HYLO® and CALMO® Eye Spray Canada-wide at pharmacies and at optometry and ophthalmology clinics.
Should you have any concerns about your eye health, please consult with your eye health professional for medical assistance.
CandorVision™ – Your eyes are everything!
References:
Craig JP, Nichols KK, Akpek EK, Caffery B, Dua HS, Joo CK, Liu Z, Nelson JD, Nichols JJ, Tsubota K, Stapleton F. TFOS DEWS II Definition and Classification Report. Ocul Surf. 2017 Jul;15(3):276-283. doi: 10.1016/j.jtos.2017.05.008. Epub 2017 Jul 20. PMID: 28736335.
Momas I, Brette F, Spinasse A, Squinazi F, Dab W, Festy B. Health effects of attending a public swimming pool: follow up of a cohort of pupils in Paris. J Epidemiol Community Health. 1993 Dec;47(6):464-8. doi: 10.1136/jech.47.6.464. PMID: 8120501; PMCID: PMC1059860.
Fantuzzi G, Righi E, Predieri G, Giacobazzi P, Mastroianni K, Aggazzotti G. Prevalence of ocular, respiratory and cutaneous symptoms in indoor swimming pool workers and exposure to disinfection by-products (DBPs). Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2010 Apr;7(4):1379-91. doi: 10.3390/ijerph7041379. Epub 2010 Mar 29. PMID: 20617036; PMCID: PMC2872330.
Alves M, Asbell P, Dogru M, Giannaccare G, Grau A, Gregory D, Kim DH, Marini MC, Ngo W, Nowinska A, Saldanha IJ, Villani E, Wakamatsu TH, Yu M, Stapleton F. TFOS Lifestyle Report: Impact of environmental conditions on the ocular surface. Ocul Surf. 2023 Jul;29:1-52. doi: 10.1016/j.jtos.2023.04.007. Epub 2023 Apr 14. PMID: 37062427.
Korb DR, Blackie CA. Using goggles to increase periocular humidity and reduce dry eye symptoms. Eye Contact Lens. 2013 Jul;39(4):273-6. doi: 10.1097/ICL.0b013e3182960ff9. PMID: 23771008.
Boyd K. American Academy of Ophthalmology [Internet]. What You Should Know About Swimming and Your Eyes; 2016 Aug 16 [cited 2024 Aug 15]. Available from: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/swimming-contacts-your-eyes
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