Redness of the eyes after swimming in a pool is one of the most common eye complaints in summer. Redness, burning, stinging, and watering seen after pool use often result from temporary irritation of the eye surface caused by chlorine or other pool chemicals. In some cases, a pool-related eye infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms may also present with similar symptoms. The risk may be higher in poorly maintained pools, in people who use contact lenses, and in individuals with dry eye.
Not every episode of eye redness after being in a pool indicates an infection. However, if the redness is accompanied by pain, discharge/crusting, light sensitivity, or blurred vision, it is important to have the condition evaluated in terms of eye diseases. While these symptoms may sometimes be due to temporary irritation, in other cases they may indicate an eye infection that requires treatment.
Is Eye Redness After Swimming in a Pool Normal?
Mild redness that appears within a few hours after leaving the pool is often related to the effect of chemical substances on the eye surface and may resolve spontaneously within a short time.
However, the following symptoms may suggest a condition different from mild irritation:
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Severe eye pain
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Marked discharge/crusting
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Blurred vision
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Noticeable swelling of the eyelid
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Severe redness in only one eye
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Complaints lasting longer than 24 hours
If these findings are present, it is advisable to consult a physician specialized in this field.
What Are the Causes of Eye Redness After Swimming in a Pool?
Eye redness after swimming in a pool is usually caused by chloramine gas, which is formed when the chlorine added to the pool water combines with sweat, urine, and other body secretions; by disruption of the eye’s natural protective layer; or by a difference between the pH of the water and the pH of the eye. These factors may cause temporary irritation, burning, and redness on the eye surface.
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Effect of Chloramine: Free chlorine added to sterilize the pool water combines with sweat, urine, and other body secretions in the water and turns into chemical compounds called chloramines. The main factor causing intense irritation, redness, and burning on the eye surface is this chloramine gas.
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Disruption of the Tear Film: Chlorine and other disinfectants can temporarily affect the balance of the tear film that protects the surface of the eye. This may cause dryness, burning, and a feeling of irritation in the eyes and may make the eye surface more sensitive to external factors.
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pH Imbalance: The natural pH value of the human eye is on average 7.4. When the pH level of pool water goes outside the ideal range (7.2–7.6), it can lead to chemical conjunctivitis.
What Are the Most Common Eye Problems After Swimming in a Pool?
Pool waters that are inadequately or improperly disinfected provide a suitable environment for microorganisms to proliferate. The most common eye problems after swimming in a pool are as follows:
Chemical Conjunctivitis
Chemical conjunctivitis can develop as a result of irritation of the eye surface by chlorine or other disinfectants in the pool water. In this noninfectious condition, redness, burning, stinging, and watering of the eyes may be observed.
Although the symptoms often decrease within a short time, in cases of severe irritation, evaluation of the eye surface may be required.
Infectious and Contagious Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
This is an eye inflammation that can be contagious and is caused by bacteria and viruses that survive in the water due to inadequate chlorination.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
In some individuals, chemicals used in pool water or allergens such as pollen in the environment may trigger an allergic reaction in the eyes.
In this case, symptoms such as:
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Severe itching,
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Watering,
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Mild redness,
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A feeling of fullness in the eyes
may be observed.
Keratitis (Corneal Infection)
The cornea is the outermost transparent layer of the eye. Infection of the cornea is called keratitis.
Keratitis may have a more severe course, and the following symptoms may be seen:
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Severe pain
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Profuse watering
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Inability to look at light
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Decreased vision
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Foreign body sensation
If left untreated, keratitis is an eye disease that can cause permanent damage to the corneal tissue. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important.
What Are the Symptoms of a Pool-Related Eye Infection?
In pool-related eye infections, symptoms may vary depending on the causative agent. However, the most common symptoms are as follows:
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Noticeable pinkness or intense redness of the white part of the eye.
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Due to heavy eye discharge, marked crusting, especially in the mornings, and difficulty opening the eyelids may occur.
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A sensation as if there were grains of sand in the eye, accompanied by stinging and discomfort, may be experienced.
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Excessive sensitivity to light (photophobia) and watering.
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Swelling (edema) of the eyelids and tissues around the eyes.
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In advanced cases, decreased visual quality and blurred vision.
Why Is It Dangerous to Swim in a Pool While Wearing Contact Lenses?
Swimming in a pool while wearing contact lenses is risky because it allows microorganisms to adhere to the lens surface and remain in prolonged contact with the cornea. Some microorganisms found in unhygienic waters can, although rarely, cause corneal infections. For this reason, swimming in a pool with contact lenses is not recommended.
For people who need visual support while swimming, prescription swim goggles or alternative solutions recommended by a physician can be considered.
What Helps With Chlorine-Induced Eye Burning?
To prevent the joy of using the pool in summer from turning into serious health problems and as part of ways to protect eye health in summer, attention should be paid to the following recommendations:
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Use of Protective Goggles: A fully sealed swim goggle can be worn to prevent direct contact between pool water and the eye surface. For people with refractive errors, there are specially manufactured prescription swim goggles.
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Contact Lens Use: Contact lenses should be removed before using the pool.
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Rinsing With Clean Water: Immediately after leaving the pool, the eye area and face should be washed with clean water to remove chemical residues.
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Using Artificial Tears: To reduce dryness and irritation on the eye surface, artificial tear drops may be used as recommended by a specialist physician.
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Avoid Rubbing the Eyes: Rubbing the eyes with the hands in response to itching after swimming can transfer bacteria from the hands to the eyes and cause micro-scratches on the cornea, allowing infection to spread to deeper tissues.
Are Eye Infections Contagious?
Not every eye infection is contagious. Contagiousness may vary depending on the causative agent of the infection. Some types of viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can spread to other people through contact with infected eye secretions or via shared towels, pillowcases, and personal care products.
Eye irritation caused by chlorine and allergic conjunctivitis are not contagious. Therefore, when redness or watering of the eyes develops, it is important to determine the underlying cause of the complaint.
Why Are Children’s Eyes More Affected in the Pool?
Children may spend more time in the pool during the summer than adults and have more intense contact with water. Opening their eyes underwater, not using protective swim goggles, and frequently touching their eyes with their hands while playing can lead to irritation of the eye surface or an increased risk of infection.
Some situations that may increase the likelihood of pool-related eye problems in children include:
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Opening Eyes Underwater
Prolonged contact with pool water can temporarily disrupt the natural tear film on the eye surface. As a result, temporary irritation may develop in the eyes, and complaints such as redness, watering, or stinging may occur.
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Not Using Protective Goggles
Not using swim goggles causes the eyes to come into direct contact with pool water. The use of protective goggles can help reduce the risk of irritation.
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Rubbing the Eyes
When itching or burning occurs in the eyes after swimming, children may reflexively rub their eyes. This can increase irritation on the eye surface and also facilitate the transfer of microorganisms on the hands to the eyes.
It is recommended that children rinse their eyes with clean water after leaving the pool and avoid sharing towels. In cases of prolonged redness, discharge/crusting, and pain in the eyes, it is important to consult a specialist physician.
