Hot summer day For many of us, there’s plenty of time to spend at the pool or beach, but it’s important to stay safe when swimming.
While it may be tempting to open your eyes underwater, experts say that prolonged exposure can harm your eyes. Vision at risk.
Fox News Digital spoke with Brian Boxer-Wackler, M.D., an ophthalmologist in Beverly Hills, California, and medical reviewer for the online resource All About Vision, about what happens if you peek while swimming.
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Experts said a quick glance would likely be harmless, but prolonged peering underwater could cause problems.
“Normally, when you open your eyes underwater, [eyes] They start to get irritated and then they close their eyes,” Wakler said.
While it may be tempting to open your eyes underwater, experts warn that being underwater for long periods of time could put your eyesight at risk. (iStock)
He warned that swimming in pool water can cause chlorine irritation to the eyes.
Dr. Muriel Schonack, an optometrist at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, said on the clinic’s website that chlorine can damage the protective outer layer of cells on the cornea.
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This could result in red, irritated and light-sensitive eyes, doctors warned.
Also, Blurred vision.
Doctors said swimming in saltwater or untreated freshwater can introduce bacteria into the eyes. (iStock)
“Many people with severe myopia or hyperopia prefer to wear contact lenses while swimming, and when chlorine seeps into the contact lenses, it can accumulate on the surface of the eye and cause damage,” Scholnack points out on the Mayo Clinic website.
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Wackler warned that the effects could be even more severe if the water is saltwater or untreated freshwater, which could introduce bacteria into the eyes.
For people who wear contact lenses while swimming, chlorine can seep into the lenses and cause problems, doctors said. (iStock)
“Microbes are present in many different water bodies and can be beneficial or harmful,” he said.
Bacteria such as E. coli Ophthalmologists say bacteria can thrive in polluted freshwater, but seawater is rich in decomposing bacteria like Vibrio.
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“Viruses like those that cause hepatitis A can persist in contaminated water,” he said.
“Protozoa like Giardia Causes diarrhea When ingested from untreated sources, molds such as Aspergillus can be found in damp areas around fresh water.”
Signs you should see a doctor
If you’ve been swimming with your eyes open for an extended period of time, Wackler advises watching for signs of irritation, such as redness, itching or a burning sensation.
For those who want to see underwater while swimming, experts recommend wearing goggles to protect your eyes.
“You may also experience watery eyes and increased sensitivity to light,” he says.
“These are usually temporary and go away on their own.”
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If the discharge becomes thicker, harder to see, or causes severe pain, this could be a sign of infection. Going to the doctor.
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For those who want to see underwater while swimming, experts recommend wearing goggles to protect your eyes.
