The natural impulse to close the eyes upon submersion is a protective reflex that can be overridden with practice. Water introduces an environment fundamentally different from air, often triggering discomfort and blurry vision. Understanding the physiological basis for this irritation and applying specific techniques can train the eyes to remain open comfortably underwater. This article provides methods for safely acclimating the eyes to a water environment.
Why Water Irritates Your Eyes
The stinging or burning sensation when water enters the eye is primarily due to the disruption of the tear film. This thin, multi-layered coating maintains moisture and protects the cornea. Pool chemicals, particularly chlorine and its byproducts known as chloramines, act as irritants that quickly wash away this natural, protective barrier.
The difference in salt concentration between the water and the eye’s natural tears also causes irritation. Freshwater is hypotonic, causing water to rush into the eye’s surface cells to equalize the concentration, leading to swelling and discomfort. Conversely, ocean or highly saline water is hypertonic, drawing moisture out of the eye’s cells. This results in a dry, gritty feeling and temporary dehydration, which the body registers as a painful sensation.
Practical Techniques for Acclimation
Acclimating the eyes to water is a gradual process requiring overcoming the instinctive protective reflex. Start by practicing in a small basin of clean, room-temperature tap water, which is less irritating than pool or ocean water. Submerge your face completely with eyes closed, then consciously try to open them for a brief moment before lifting your head out.
Once comfortable with brief exposure, focus on controlled blinking while submerged. Blinking helps refresh the ocular surface and flush away surrounding water, reducing immediate stinging. Gradually increase the duration of time you keep your eyes open during each submersion, focusing on relaxing facial muscles to minimize the automatic squinting response.
For practice in chlorinated pools, start with short training intervals. Squint slightly to limit the surface area exposed to the chemicals. This allows the eye to adjust to the chemical presence while minimizing the initial shock. Consistently practicing short periods over multiple sessions is more effective for long-term acclimation than attempting a single, long exposure.
Essential Safety and Post-Swim Care
While acclimation is possible, the safest way to keep eyes open underwater, especially for extended periods, is by using properly fitted swimming goggles. Goggles provide a watertight seal that protects the tear film from chemical stripping and prevents exposure to pathogens found in the water.
A significant safety concern involves wearing contact lenses, which should always be removed before submerging the head. Water can trap microbes, including the parasite Acanthamoeba, between the lens and the eye. This dramatically increases the risk of severe, vision-threatening infections.
After any session without eye protection, rinse your eyes gently with fresh, clean water immediately to flush out residual irritants like chlorine or salt. Applying preservative-free artificial tears or lubricating eye drops can help restore the tear film and rehydrate the ocular surface. Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this worsens irritation and potentially introduces bacteria.