Swim Season & Eye Health—What You Need to Know Before You Dive In
Whether you’re heading to the local pool, the lake, or a backyard splash zone, summer swimming is a must in Alberta. But while you’re focused on fun, your eyes might be facing more strain than you realize. Chlorine, UV exposure, and bacteria in natural water sources can all lead to irritated, red, or even infected eyes.
Let’s dive into what you need to know before jumping in the deep end.
🧼 Chlorine and Eye Irritation
Pools are packed with chemicals—most commonly chlorine—to keep the water clean. But those same chemicals can be rough on your eyes. Chlorine strips away the natural tear film that coats and protects your eyes, leaving them exposed to dryness, stinging, and that all-too-familiar post-swim redness.
Even after you’re out of the pool, your eyes may continue to feel gritty or itchy. Artificial tears can help, but if irritation persists, you might be dealing with more than just chlorine sensitivity.
🦠 Why You Should Never Swim with Contacts
Swimming with contact lenses might seem convenient—but it’s a serious no-go. Contacts can trap bacteria and other microbes from the water against your eye, creating a perfect environment for infections like bacterial conjunctivitis or Acanthamoeba keratitis (a rare but serious infection that can cause permanent vision loss).
If you rely on contacts for everyday vision correction, ask us about prescription swim goggles. They’ll give you clear vision in the water—without the risk.
🌞 Protecting Against UV Rays
It’s easy to forget, but your eyes can get sunburned too. Sunlight reflects off the surface of water and can double your exposure to harmful UV rays. This increases the risk of conditions like cataracts, macular degeneration, and photokeratitis (essentially a sunburn on your eye).
Always wear UV-protective sunglasses when you’re outside, and don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat for extra coverage.
👓 The Prescription Goggle Option
If blurry swim sessions are your norm, it’s time to consider prescription goggles. Available for both adults and children, they offer sharp vision without compromising safety. No more squinting to find your towel or lifeguard instructions.
💧 Keep Your Vision Clear All Summer—Book Your Appointment at Ambleside Family Optometry
At Ambleside Family Optometry, we believe that healthy eyes make for better summer adventures. Whether you need advice on prescription swim goggles, treatment for post-swim irritation, or just a check-up before your summer vacation, we’ve got you covered.
We offer personalized eye care for all ages, and we take the time to make sure your vision stays sharp—on land and in the water.
Book your eye exam with us today and swim into summer with confidence.