As we embrace Healthy Vision Month, it's a perfect time to discuss safeguarding our eyes during the summer, especially when enjoying the pool. Many people enjoy swimming in the summer, but it can harm our eyes and affect our eye health.
Pool Time Eye Safety Tips
Here are some essential tips and practices from Advanced EyeCare in Durango to keep your eyes healthy and protected while you make the most of your pool time this season.
Wear Proper Swimming Goggles
Wearing swimming goggles is the most effective way to protect your eyes in the pool. Pool water contains chlorine and other chemicals that keep the water clean but can be harsh on your eyes. This can lead to redness, irritation, and temporary blurred vision.
Goggles provide a barrier that prevents these chemicals from directly contacting your eyes. Choose goggles that fit snugly and seal well to keep water out. Consider investing in prescription goggles to ensure clear underwater vision if you wear prescription glasses.
Choose Goggles with UV Protection
When swimming outdoors, consider prescription swimming goggles that offer UV protection. Just as you protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays, your eyes need protection, too. Extended exposure to UV rays can lead to serious eye conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration. UV-protective goggles will shield your eyes from the sun's rays while in the pool, contributing to your long-term eye health.
Rinse Your Eyes After Swimming
Even with the best-fitting goggles, small amounts of pool water can reach your eyes. Rinse your eyes with clean, fresh water after swimming to flush out residual chlorine or salt (if you're swimming in a saltwater pool). This can help alleviate any immediate irritation and prevent potential problems caused by prolonged exposure to these chemicals.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration is vital for overall health, including eye health. Staying hydrated helps maintain your body's natural tear production, essential for providing your eyes with adequate lubrication. Proper hydration also helps combat the drying effects of the summer heat and air, particularly if you spend long hours outdoors or in air-conditioned environments.
Follow Healthy Pool Practices
Eye infections such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) spread easily in swimming environments with improperly chlorinated water. Here are a few healthy pool practices to keep in mind:
Avoid swimming with eye infections: If you have an active eye infection, stay out of the pool to prevent spreading it to others.
Don't open your eyes underwater: Even with chlorine, pools can harbor bacteria and other pathogens. Keeping your eyes closed underwater reduces the risk of infections.
Limit Time in the Pool
Excessive exposure to chlorinated water can strip away the tear film that protects your eyes, leading to dryness and irritation. Limit your time swimming in chlorinated pools, and take breaks every 30 minutes to allow your eyes to recover. This is especially important for children who may spend hours in the pool if not monitored.
Monitor Pool Chemical Levels
If you have a pool at home, regularly check and maintain the chemical levels to ensure it's safe for swimming. Improperly balanced pool water can cause severe eye irritation and increase the risk of acquiring an eye infection.
Consider Allergic Reactions
You may be sensitive or allergic to chlorine if you notice consistent eye redness and irritation after swimming. In such cases, consult with an eye doctor at . They can recommend anti-allergy eye drops or other treatments to alleviate your symptoms.
Embrace Healthy Vision Month
Celebrating Healthy Vision Month lets us focus on eye health during the joyous summer months. Following these tips, you can enjoy your time at the pool while caring for your precious eyesight.
Regular eye exams are crucial for maintaining optimal eye health and protection. Make an appointment with Advanced EyeCare in Durango to ensure your eyes are as ready for summer as you are.