A stye is a red bump that forms on the edge of the eyelid. It results from a bacterial infection affecting an oil gland or eyelash follicle. Styes resemble a small pimple and can cause swelling, pain, and a feeling of something in the eye. While generally not serious and often resolving on their own, precautions are advisable when considering activities like swimming.
Potential Concerns When Swimming
Swimming with a stye presents several concerns due to the aquatic environment. Pool water, even when chlorinated, can introduce additional irritants and microorganisms to an already compromised eyelid. Chlorine and other pool chemicals, while intended to sanitize, can strip away the eye’s natural tear film, leading to dryness, irritation, and discomfort. This irritation can exacerbate the inflammation and pain associated with a stye, potentially prolonging its healing process.
An open or irritated stye provides an entry point for bacteria present in pool water. Exposure to pool bacteria could worsen the existing infection or introduce a secondary one. Rubbing the eyes, a common reaction to pool water irritation, can also spread bacteria from the stye to other parts of the eye. The mechanical irritation from water flow or accidental rubbing against the eyelid can also hinder the stye’s natural resolution.
Situations When Swimming Should Be Avoided
There are specific circumstances where swimming with a stye should be avoided to prevent complications. If the stye is actively draining pus or fluid, swimming could spread the bacterial infection and significantly delay healing. A stye that is very painful, markedly swollen, or accompanied by redness extending beyond the immediate area of the bump indicates a more severe infection that requires rest and potentially medical attention, making swimming inadvisable.
Any signs of a spreading infection, such as fever or increased tenderness in surrounding tissues, also contraindicate swimming. The immune system is already working to combat the localized infection, and exposure to pool contaminants could overwhelm these defenses. If an individual has other pre-existing eye conditions or has recently undergone eye surgery, the presence of a stye adds an additional layer of vulnerability, making swimming a higher risk activity.
Protecting Your Eyes While Swimming
For individuals without the contraindicated conditions, protecting the eyes during swimming can help minimize risks. Wearing properly fitting swimming goggles creates a physical barrier, shielding the eyes from pool chemicals and potential irritants. Goggles also help maintain the natural tear film, which is crucial for eye moisture and comfort. Selecting goggles that form a snug seal provides effective protection.
Rinsing the eyes thoroughly with clean, fresh water immediately after swimming helps remove any lingering chlorine or debris. This practice washes away irritants and reduces prolonged chemical exposure. Practicing good general eye hygiene, such as avoiding touching or rubbing the eyes, especially with unwashed hands, further minimizes the risk of worsening a stye or developing new eye irritations. These measures contribute to overall eye health and can reduce future styes.