It is possible to open your eyes in chlorinated water, but this action often causes temporary discomfort and irritation. Although the water is chemically treated for swimming, it is not balanced to match the delicate environment of the human eye. This irritation is usually brief and reversible, but it signals that the water is disrupting the eye’s natural protective layers. Most people experience stinging and redness, which typically fades shortly after exiting the pool.
The Chemical Reason for Discomfort
The burning sensation in the eyes is often incorrectly blamed on an excess of chlorine, but the primary irritants are compounds called chloramines. Chloramines form when the chlorine disinfectant combines with organic matter, such as sweat, urine, body oils, and cosmetics, introduced by swimmers. The strong, chemical-like odor frequently associated with pools is actually the smell of these chloramines, not clean chlorine.
These compounds are much more irritating to human tissues than the free chlorine itself. Chloramines and chlorine both strip away the eye’s natural protective layer, known as the tear film. The tear film is a delicate layer of moisture that keeps the eye surface hydrated and protected from irritants.
Disruption of the tear film leads to a condition commonly called “swimmer’s eye,” resulting in a dry, gritty feeling and redness. The pool’s pH level also contributes to irritation. The human eye’s natural pH is around 7.5, and pool water not maintained within the comfort range of 7.2 to 7.8 can upset this balance.
Immediate Symptoms and Relief
The most common immediate symptoms after opening your eyes underwater include burning, stinging, temporary redness, and watery eyes. Some individuals may also experience temporary blurred vision or increased sensitivity to light. These symptoms are the eye’s defensive response to the chemical imbalance and the loss of the tear film.
The first and most effective step for relief is to thoroughly rinse the eyes with fresh, clean water or a sterile saline solution immediately after leaving the pool. Repeatedly splashing cool water helps wash away lingering chlorine and chloramine residues. It is important to avoid rubbing the eyes, as this can worsen irritation and potentially spread contaminants.
Using over-the-counter lubricating eye drops, often labeled as “artificial tears,” can help soothe the irritation and reestablish the protective tear film. These drops restore moisture to the eye’s surface, counteracting the drying effect of the pool chemicals. Avoid using “get the red out” drops, as these products can cause a rebound effect that may worsen redness and dryness. Most mild chlorine-induced irritation resolves within a few hours to a day.
Protecting Ocular Health
Prevention is the most reliable way to protect ocular health while swimming, and the simplest measure is wearing properly sealed swimming goggles. Goggles form a watertight barrier that prevents pool water and its chemical irritants from contacting the eyes. This practice is especially important for contact lens wearers, as lenses can trap chemicals and bacteria against the eye, significantly raising the risk of infection.
Swimmers can also help reduce the formation of irritating chloramines by showering before entering the pool. Rinsing off for just one minute removes most organic matter, like sweat and cosmetics, that would otherwise react with the chlorine. Reducing the amount of chloramine in the water benefits everyone by making the pool environment less irritating.
While temporary irritation is common, chronic exposure to pool chemicals can lead to persistent dry eye syndrome. Repeated stripping of the tear film may cause long-term discomfort or, in rare cases, potential damage to the cornea. If eye pain is persistent, if there is a discharge, or if vision changes last for more than 48 hours, consulting a healthcare professional is necessary.