Your Eyes and Underwater Activity

Summertime means popsicles, cookouts, and…the pool!

Harsh chemicals or dirty lake water means it’s time to take extra precautions with our eyes. Enjoy your time in the water knowing you’ve followed these eye-health tips!

• Stay Hydrated
  Water helps the body tremendously during times of extreme heat – even your eyes! Drinking lots of liquids before, during and after participating in underwater activity will keep your eyes from drying out.
• Wear Goggles
  We’ve all done it. Opening your eyes underwater can be a pretty cool trick as a kid, but it can damage your eyes that can lead to eye infections, irritation from salt water from the ocean and dry eyes from chlorine. By wearing properly fitting googles, you to safely see what is going on in the water and not get contaminated water in your eyes.
• Leave the Contacts at Home
  Though you may use them to improve your vision, it is not recommended to wear them while swimming. It is rare but it can lead to something called “acanthamoebic keratits,” which occurs when amoeba becomes stuck under your contact lenses. Even worse, this can lead to vision problems!
• Ask Your Eye Care Professional About Eye Drops
  Notice that your eyes are itchy or dry after leaving the pool? Your corneas may have become dehydrated from swimming! You can fix this effect of chlorine with eye drops, though always consult your eye doctor first to find the best solution for you.

No one wants to stop a beach day short! By following these simple steps, you can make the most out of your lake trips or weekends spent swimming at the pool by protecting your eye health. Have questions about your eyes regarding swimming and summer activities? Visit us at independencefamilyeyecare.com or call us at 816-461-6880 to book an appointment today!