The refreshing experience of a swimming pool often comes with the sting of irritated eyes from the chlorinated water. This temporary discomfort, sometimes called “swimmer’s eye,” occurs when the eye is exposed to pool chemicals. Knowing how to quickly and correctly remove these irritants is the first step to finding relief. Prompt action reduces the duration and severity of the burning and redness.
Step-by-Step Eye Flushing Procedure
Immediate and thorough rinsing is the most direct way to remove chlorine residue and soothe irritation. The proper technique involves flushing the eyes with a gentle, steady stream of liquid. Use clean, cool tap water or, preferably, a sterile saline solution or commercial eyewash if available.
If you wear contact lenses, remove them immediately before flushing to prevent irritants from getting trapped beneath the lens. For mild exposure, such as a brief splash, rinse the affected eye for at least five minutes to ensure the irritant is diluted and washed away.
For more severe exposure, or if the stinging sensation persists, continue to flush the eye for 15 to 20 minutes. When rinsing, tilt your head over a sink so the water flows away from the unaffected eye, moving from the inner corner outward. Hold your eyelid open with your fingers to ensure the water contacts the entire surface of the eye.
Following the rinse, use lubricating eye drops, also known as artificial tears, to re-establish moisture and reduce dryness. These drops restore the natural tear film that pool chemicals can strip away. Avoid using products labeled as “red-reducing” eye drops, as these can worsen dryness and irritation.
Recognizing Symptoms That Require Medical Care
While most chlorine irritation is temporary and resolves with flushing, certain symptoms signal a need for professional medical attention. Seek care if you experience persistent or increasing pain after the initial rinsing procedure is complete.
Any significant change in vision, such as blurring, double vision, or vision loss, warrants immediate consultation with a specialist. Other concerning signs include persistent redness or swelling lasting more than a few hours, or the presence of a discharge from the eye.
If a concentrated chemical, such as a pool cleaner or pure chlorine, splashed directly into your eye, contact a poison control center or emergency services immediately. These situations present a risk of chemical injury requiring urgent medical assessment beyond simple chlorine exposure.
Understanding Chlorine Irritation and Prevention
The burning sensation is often caused not by chlorine itself, but by compounds called chloramines. Chloramines are chemical irritants that form when chlorine reacts with organic matter in the water, such as sweat, dirt, and urine. This reaction produces the distinct, strong odor that many people mistakenly associate with a high chlorine level.
Chloramines, along with the pH imbalance of the pool water compared to natural tears, interfere with the eye’s protective tear film. Stripping this film leaves the eye vulnerable to irritation and dryness.
To prevent irritation, wearing properly fitted swim goggles provides the best physical barrier against pool water exposure. Rinsing your eyes with fresh water immediately after leaving the pool washes away lingering chemicals. Taking a quick shower before entering the pool helps remove organic matter from the skin, reducing the formation of irritating chloramines.