Experiencing temporary blurry vision after a swim is a common occurrence for both competitive athletes and casual pool-goers. This disturbance, often described as a foggy or hazy film, can be disorienting as you exit the water. Whether swimming in a heavily chlorinated pool or a natural body of water, the eye is exposed to irritants. Understanding this effect allows for quick, practical remedies to restore clear sight.
Understanding the Causes of Post-Swim Blurriness
The primary reason for post-swim blurriness involves the disruption of the eye’s natural protective layer, the tear film. This fluid covers the cornea and is easily stripped away by chemical disinfectants like chlorine or bromine found in swimming pools. When the tear film is compromised, the eye’s outer surface, the corneal epithelium, is directly exposed to irritation.
A second factor is temporary corneal edema, a mild swelling of the cornea’s outermost layer. The cornea is sensitive to the osmotic pressure of the surrounding water. Since pool water is typically hypotonic, meaning it has a lower salt concentration than the eye’s internal fluids, the cornea absorbs excess water. This slight swelling distorts the light path entering the eye, resulting in a hazy perception.
Immediate Steps to Clear Your Vision
When vision becomes hazy immediately after exiting the water, the first action is to thoroughly rinse the eyes to flush out residual irritants. Use a sterile eyewash solution or a specific saline product designed to match the eye’s natural pH and salinity. Avoid using regular tap water, as its hypotonic nature and potential microbial content can worsen irritation or reintroduce corneal swelling.
Tilt your head back and gently pour the sterile solution over the open eye, or use an eye cup, washing the entire surface for several seconds. Following this rinse, apply over-the-counter lubricating eye drops, or artificial tears, which mimic the eye’s natural tear film. These drops help restore the protective barrier stripped by pool chemicals or water exposure.
The application of drops helps re-establish the smooth optical surface of the cornea necessary for sharp vision. After rinsing and applying drops, rest the eyes by closing them completely for a few minutes. This allows the natural tear glands to increase production and repair the corneal surface without the strain of focusing.
Strategies for Prevention
Stopping the blurriness before it starts is easier than treating it afterward, beginning with protective gear. Wearing properly fitted swimming goggles is the most effective way to create a physical barrier between the eye and the water. Ensure the seal is watertight by pressing the cups gently onto the orbits before entering the water, preventing seepage of pool chemicals.
Another proactive strategy involves applying lubricating drops before entering the water, known as pre-wetting. Applying artificial tears beforehand helps stabilize the natural tear film, making it more resistant to erosion from chlorine or water contact. This preventative layer minimizes the initial chemical shock to the corneal surface.
Immediately after leaving the water, a quick, preventative rinse with clean, fresh water is beneficial, even if vision is not yet blurred. This swift action washes away the majority of chlorine residue clinging to the eye surface before it fully disrupts the tear film. This immediate removal prevents the ongoing irritation that often leads to blurriness minutes later.
When Blurry Vision Becomes a Concern
While most post-swim blurriness is temporary and resolves within an hour or two, certain symptoms signal the need for professional medical evaluation. Seek attention if the visual haziness persists for more than a few hours despite attempts to rinse and lubricate the eyes. Persistent or increasing pain, especially when accompanied by sensitivity to light, warrants immediate consultation. If the eye develops significant, persistent redness or begins to produce discharge, these symptoms could indicate an infection or a severe corneal abrasion.