With the arrival of summer, swimming in pools or at the sea becomes more frequent. Many swimmers, especially children, naturally open their eyes underwater. But is this gesture really safe for the eyes?
In reality, opening the eyes underwater is not dangerous in itself when it is an occasional act. But the effects can vary depending on the environment: pool, sea, or poorly maintained water.
Irritation, red eyes or a stinging sensation should not be interpreted in the same way.
In pools, the problem mainly comes from chloramines
In pools, chlorine is essential to disinfect the water and limit the spread of microbes. But the irritation felt after swimming is not always due to chlorine alone.
The main problem often comes from chloramines. These substances form when chlorine reacts with sweat, urine, cosmetics or other residues present in the water. They are the ones that sometimes give that strong “chlorine” smell and can cause red eyes or a stinging sensation.
By opening the eyes under chlorinated water, the tear film, this thin protective layer that covers the eye, can be weakened. Result: the surface of the eye becomes more sensitive, the cornea can be irritated and discomfort may appear after swimming.
Occasionally, this irritation generally disappears within a few hours. However, repeated and prolonged exposure can further weaken the surface of the eye and increase the risk of infection, especially in a poorly maintained pool.
In the sea, less chlorine but other risks
In the sea, the absence of chlorine makes the water often less aggressive than that of a pool. Some swimmers even tolerate salty water better than chlorinated water.
But that does not mean seawater is completely neutral for the eyes. Salt remains more concentrated than natural tears and can cause mild dryness, a burning sensation or temporary irritation.
The main risk in the sea rather stems from the water quality. Near the coast, in busy areas or after heavy rains, the water can contain bacteria, parasites or other microorganisms that may irritate the eyes or cause an infection.
Contact lenses, the real point of vigilance
The most important advice concerns people who wear contact lenses. It is strongly discouraged to open your eyes underwater with lenses, whether in a pool, at the sea, in a lake, or in a Jacuzzi.
The lenses can trap microbes against the cornea and promote sometimes serious infections. The risk is even higher when the water is warm, stagnant or poorly controlled.
For contact lens wearers, the safest approach is to remove them before swimming or to wear properly fitted swimming goggles.
The right reflex
The simplest solution remains swimming goggles. They protect the eyes from chlorine, salt, residues present in the water and microorganisms. They also allow better visibility underwater without exposing the surface of the eye directly.
After swimming, it is advisable to rinse the face and the eyelids with clear water, without rubbing the eyes. If discomfort occurs, using saline solution or artificial tears can help relieve irritation.
When should you seek medical advice?
Slightly red eyes after swimming are not necessarily worrying, especially if the discomfort disappears quickly. However, you should consult a health professional if the redness persists, if pain occurs, if vision becomes blurred, or if the eye remains very sensitive several hours after swimming.
Opening the eyes underwater from time to time is therefore not dramatic. But for regular swimmers, children, people with sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers, swimming goggles remain the best protection.
