Can Swimming Goggles Prevent Eye Damage?

One of the disappointments to the end of summer is the limited opportunities to take a dip in the swimming pool. Often, it's the lone way to exercise each day, but swimming is tough on the eyes. Enthusiasts will seek out a local gym that is home to an indoor pool to get their daily workout. Unfortunately, this action increases the likelihood of leaving the pool with itchy, irritated eyes as you expose yourself to the bacteria found in the pool water.

The American Optometric Association calls this ailment a mild form of conjunctivitis or an eye irritation that can be resolved on it's own with no treatment necessary. Usually, the only course to prevent further eye damage is to wear swimming goggles while in the pool. It's the simplest solution to protecting your eyes as the goggles form a barrier that prevents the pool chemicals from getting into your eyes. However, it's important to have your swimming goggles fitted before heading into the water or you will be promoting seal leakage that allows pool water near your eyes while swimming.

There is no need of panic as there are ways to prevent eye damage while swimming in a public pool:

The Importance of Fitted Swimming Goggles

It doesn't matter your level of swimming experience, it's important to wear fitted swimming goggles as this will enhance your pool workouts. Test to make sure your goggles are properly fitted as this can be accomplished by checking the seals of each lense. Usually, the suction fits perfectly around the shape of your face for more than three seconds. If not, then the goggles aren't a good fit.

The air tight seal around your eyes does prevent the pool water and other contaminants from entering the area. If you choose not to replace the googles, then the chances are high they will continue to move while swimming and possibly fall off during the completion of one of your strokes. Thus, increasing the chances of eye damage occurring.

How Vulnerable Are You to Eye Damage

The water inside public pools often contain urine, decaying leaves, dead organisms and other infested fungi. Unfortunately, a swimmer increases the chances of eye damage when they submerged into the water. The eyes become more vulnerable to having contact with bacteria and the above found in most pool's water each day. Often, these contaminants cannot be eliminated with the simple use of placing chlorine into the water.

Pool Chemicals Are Tough on The Eyes

Pool chemicals such as chlorine is the best source to disinfecting pool water, but the process isn't 100 percent guaranteed to get rid of all the grime and bacteria found floating in the pool. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention reported that there were an increased number of eye issue outbreaks in public swimming pools of late.

The eye has a thin layer of film that covers the surface and often is the most affected from pool chemicals. They wash away the layer of film from the eye, which prevents it from staying moist and to see clear. Once you come out of the pool, your eyes will experience some irritation and redness. Without any form of protection, your eyes will soon become dry and your vision will become blurry over time. If you get chlorinated water in your eyes, then flush them immediately with tap water as this will lower the risk of sustaining immediate eye damage.

The only resource to prevent this condition is to wear swim goggles as they provide a pocket of air that allows your eyes to focus better with the light being transmitted in the water. This is especially beneficial when swimming underwater as you will be able to focus better. The light reflects water differently as it can impair your vision. Sometimes, it feels like you're out of focus at times which create depth perception issues when swimming in deep water. It's best to use swimming goggles that come with an anti-fogging coat, which has UV protection for outdoor swimming.

All of these preventive measures hopefully help to be safe in the swimming pool.