Summer Splash, Clear Vision: Five Poolside Eye Care Secrets You Should Not Ignore

This newsletter explains how to protect your eyes before swimming in chlorinated pools during summer. It shares an ophthalmologist’s five key tips: wear snug UV-protective goggles, avoid contact lenses, rinse and lubricate eyes afterward, guard against UV exposure, and seek medical help for persistent redness or vision changes.

Summer Splash is an eye care guide that aims to help people have fun and avoid these five common pitfalls. 

The reasons why pool water can cause damage to your eyes.

Tip One: Always wear well-fitted goggles.

Tip Two: Do not wear contact lenses in the pool!

Tip Three: To help avoid this, rinse or wipe the rod first, and then lubricate.

Tip Four: Protect from the UV rays

TIP #5: Be Watchful of Warning Signs

If the eye keeps red, painful, and/or has decreased vision, sensitivity to light, or fluid that drains from it after swimming, the child may have an eye infection or injury to the cornea. If you seek immediate treatment from an ophthalmologist, you will be able to prevent complications and save your vision. It is important for parents to carefully watch children, as they may not be able to communicate their discomfort.  

Poolside Eye Care Highlights  

• Wear close fitting, UV protective swimming goggles.  
• Try not to or limit contact lens use when swimming.  
• Rinse eyes after swimming and use lubricating eye drops as necessary.  
• Use sunglasses & hats at outdoor pools to shield eyes from UV.  
• If irritation or vision changes occur, see an ophthalmologist.  
  
  

Sources: Interviews with ophthalmologists, standard clinical eye care advice and swimming safety guidelines.