The common experience of red, irritated eyes after a swim is an uncomfortable reaction to the water. This irritation typically manifests as redness, a burning sensation, and temporary blurriness. Understanding the specific causes of this reaction allows for effective strategies to both treat the immediate discomfort and prevent its recurrence. This irritation is largely a chemical response that affects the delicate surface of the eye, making it a manageable condition.
Understanding Why Swimming Causes Red Eyes
The redness experienced after swimming is often caused by chemical byproducts called chloramines, not high chlorine levels alone. These irritants form when chlorine, the pool’s disinfectant, reacts with organic substances introduced by swimmers, such as sweat, urine, body oils, and cosmetics. Chloramines are significantly more irritating to the eyes and mucous membranes than the chlorine itself.
The primary mechanism of irritation involves the disruption of the eye’s natural tear film. This protective layer keeps the surface moist and clear. Exposure to pool chemicals washes away the tear film, leaving the underlying tissue vulnerable to chloramines and the water’s pH imbalance. The resulting chemical conjunctivitis causes the blood vessels on the eye’s surface to dilate, which manifests as redness. This compromised tear film also makes the eyes more susceptible to any bacteria or viruses that may have survived sanitation.
Immediate Home Treatments for Relief
The first step for relief is to thoroughly flush the eyes with clean, cool water or a sterile saline solution immediately after exiting the pool. This action washes away residual chloramines and other irritants clinging to the eye’s surface. A sterile eye wash or simple saline solution is particularly effective for diluting irritants and restoring the eye’s natural environment.
Following a thorough rinse, apply over-the-counter lubricating eye drops, also known as artificial tears. These drops help rehydrate the ocular surface and restore the protective moisture layer that the pool water stripped away. Select drops labeled as “lubricating” or “artificial tears” and avoid products containing vasoconstrictors, often marketed to “get the red out.” Vasoconstrictor drops can cause a rebound effect, potentially leading to increased redness and dependence.
Applying a cool, damp compress to the closed eyelids can provide soothing relief by reducing inflammation and the sensation of burning or itching. The coolness helps calm the irritated tissues and minimize any associated swelling.
Strategies to Prevent Eye Redness
Proactive steps taken before and during swimming are the most effective way to prevent eye irritation. Wearing properly fitted swim goggles creates a physical barrier, which is the most reliable way to shield the eye from all waterborne irritants and pathogens. Goggles should fit snugly to create a watertight seal, preventing direct contact with the pool water.
A quick shower before entering the water significantly reduces the organic compounds that combine with chlorine to form chloramines. This simple habit minimizes the concentration of the primary irritant in the pool water. After swimming, a final, thorough rinse of the face and eyes with fresh water ensures any lingering chemical residue is removed.
Knowing When to Consult a Doctor
While most redness and irritation resolve within a few hours of home care, certain symptoms indicate a more serious condition, such as an infection, that requires professional attention. If the redness, discomfort, or pain persists for longer than 24 to 48 hours despite home treatment, a medical consultation is warranted.
The appearance of any thick or colored discharge, particularly yellow or green, is a strong indicator of a bacterial or viral infection, like conjunctivitis. Other warning signs include sudden changes in vision, such as blurriness that does not clear quickly, or increased sensitivity to light. If the irritation or pain is severe, or if only one eye is affected, seek the advice of an eye care professional.