If you've ever swam underwater along with your eyes open, you've noticed that your eyes sting after some time. Unlike many animals, we don't have a 3rd eyelid to guard our eyes underwater, but does that mean we shouldn't swim with our eyes open?
Fortunately, swimming along with your eyes open is usually not dangerous. However, there are some aspects to contemplate to make sure your safety and luxury.
Eye stinging or irritation is brought on by the highly sensitive translucent conjunctiva that covers the whites of our eyes and the inner lids.
This sensation could be brought on by different irritants depending on the environment. For example, most public swimming pools contain chlorinated water. Water, including swimming pool water, might be a great environment for various, potentially harmful microbes, equivalent to bacteria and fungi.
Chlorine or chlorine compounds have antimicrobial properties. These chemicals are commonly added to water as disinfectants to cut back the variety of harmful microbes and forestall the spread of waterborne infectious diseases. Prolonged exposure to those substances or their by-products may cause irritation in some people and sometimes result in more serious conditions equivalent to Conjunctivitis – Commonly referred to as pink eye.
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Conjunctivitis Conjunctivitis is brought on by either bacterial, viral or occasionally fungal infections. An indication of inflammation is redness, which is brought on by a rise within the diameter of blood vessels and due to this fact increased blood flow by the immune system to fight infection. It causes a pink, reddish discoloration.
Another sign of inflammation is pain, which frequently appears like a stinging or burning sensation. Conjunctivitis normally clears up by itself. The commonest viral conjunctivitis normally requires none. Treatment and frequently resolves inside one to 2 weeks. Antibiotic eye drops could also be needed in case of bacterial infection.
Repeated swimming may cause changes within the tear film and result in a condition called dry eyecharacterised by stiff sensation or blurred vision.
Salt water
But what about swimming in saltwater pools or oceans?
Salt water is less prone to cause burns than chlorinated water, but it could still be painful for swimmers. The relatively high salt content of seawater could make the eyes feel dry and hard, but is frequently not a priority so long as the water quality just isn’t poor.
Poor water quality within the ocean, but in addition in rivers and lakes, increases the danger of eye infections and other health problems.
Swimming with eyes open is unlikely to cause serious damage, but it surely is all the time advisable to take precautions to take care of eye health and avoid discomfort. Using swimming goggles can protect your eyes from chemicals, salt and potentially harmful microbes, providing a barrier and allowing you to see clearly underwater.
Flushing your eyes with clean water or a saline solution will help relieve any irritation. good Cleansing the eyelids can also be beneficial.
It is vital to avoid swimming in contaminated water. Stay away from water that appears dirty, smells bad, or has high levels of bacteria or contaminants. Finally, in the event you experience prolonged redness, pain, or vision changes after swimming, seek medical advice.