Did you know that chlorine is added to the pool if it blends with urine, sweat, etc. can cause your eyes to be red? Both athletes and ordinary people often experience red eyes after swimming. To avoid repeating, see how to prevent red eyes after swimming below.
Chlorine in the pool is the cause of eye irritation
Chlorine is essentially mixed into the pool to prevent the spread of germs and outbreaks.
However, chlorine mixed with body fluids, such as urine, sweat, skin cells, deodorant attached to the body, or the rest of the makeup on the body will cause some problems, such as:
- Reduces the amount of chlorine available to kill germs
- Creating irritant substances called Chloramine
The chloramine is suspected to be the risk factor of red-eye after swimming.
How to prevent red-eye irritation after swimming?
1. Using Swimming goggles
Swimming goggles are one of the tools that are actually highly recommended for use when swimming. Besides you can see in the water clearly, the swimming goggles can prevent eye irritation when you finish swimming.
It is because the swimming goggles are designed to protect your eyes from irritant substances, such as chloramine.
2. Eye Wash
After swimming, try to wash your eyes. It can be done by using tap water and in a state of closed eyes.
This way is usually potent enough to rinse various chemical compounds that stick around your eyes.
3. Using Eye Drops
Before entering the water, try to use eye drops or tear gels to keep the fluid in your eyes balanced and make your eyes more comfortable.
Familiarize yourself with the medicines after swimming to avoid irritation of red eye due to chloramine.
4. Drink plenty of water
One cause of the eye blush after swimming is the body lacks fluid. Therefore, drinking a lot of water before and after swimming is a smart move to keep your eyes moist.
If after following the steps above and your eyes stay red after swimming, you may need to treat it.
As reported from the American Optometric Association, rinsing the eyes thoroughly with warm water helps to remove irritation on the surface of the eye.
In addition, you can also compress your eyes by cold compresses to reduce inflammation and irritation. When you’re done, try using eye drops so that the itching and burning in your eyes can diminish.