Chlorine exposure, often experienced after swimming, causes temporary and uncomfortable eye irritation. The chemical disrupts the natural tear film, the protective layer of moisture covering the eye’s surface. This disruption strips away the tear film’s lubricating components and alters the eye’s pH balance, leading to a condition sometimes called “swimmer’s eye.” Acting quickly to flush the eyes is the most effective way to minimize discomfort.
Immediate Steps for Eye Flushing
Start flushing the eyes immediately with clean, non-chlorinated water or a sterile saline solution. You should irrigate the eyes for a minimum duration of 10 to 20 minutes to fully dilute and wash away the irritant. If using tap water, ensure it is lukewarm, not hot, and use a shower or a gentle stream from a faucet.
To perform the flush effectively, gently hold your eyelids open. Tilt your head so the water flows across the eye surface, starting from the inner corner and moving toward the outer corner. This technique ensures the wash runs away from the tear duct. Sterile eyewash or saline solution is often preferable because it is closer to the eye’s natural salt and pH balance.
After the initial long flush, frequent blinking and the application of preservative-free lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) can help restore moisture and soothe the irritated surface.
Identifying Symptoms and Harmful Actions
Mild exposure symptoms typically include noticeable redness, a stinging or burning sensation, and excessive watering. You may also experience a gritty feeling, temporary blurry vision, or sensitivity to light immediately after leaving the water. These signs usually indicate a temporary disruption of the tear film and should begin to subside after thorough rinsing.
Actions to Avoid
It is important to avoid rubbing the eyes, as this mechanical action can cause abrasions on the corneal surface, potentially worsening irritation or introducing infection. If you wear contact lenses, they must be removed immediately before starting the flushing process, as they can trap the chlorinated water against the eye. Never attempt to use vasoconstrictor eye drops, as these can cause a rebound effect that makes the redness and dryness worse.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While most mild irritation resolves quickly with flushing, certain symptoms indicate the need for professional medical evaluation. You should seek care if pain or irritation persists for more than 24 hours despite home care. Any significant change in your visual acuity, such as persistent blurriness, double vision, or sudden loss of vision, warrants immediate attention.
Other concerning signs include:
- Extreme sensitivity to light that makes it difficult to keep the eyes open.
- The appearance of a cloudy or whitish film on the cornea, which could indicate a chemical burn.
- Thick or discolored discharge from the eye, which may signal an infection.
A healthcare provider can examine the eye for corneal damage and recommend the appropriate course of action.
Preventing Future Irritation
Wearing properly fitted swimming goggles creates a watertight seal that physically blocks the water from contacting the eye surface. Ensuring the goggles are snug is important because a poor fit can still allow water to seep in and trap the chemicals against the eye.
Using preservative-free lubricating eye drops just before or immediately after swimming can help reinforce the tear film and dilute any lingering traces of chlorine. For pool owners, maintaining the water’s pH balance between 7.2 and 7.8 is helpful, as this range is closer to the eye’s natural pH and reduces the formation of irritating chloramines. Additionally, showering for at least one minute before entering the pool helps to wash off organic matter like sweat and oils that react with chlorine to form these irritants.