Underwater eye protection

Constant contact with sea water and swimming pools is one of the main causes of eye pathologies in summer. These conditions can cause anything from irritation and tearing to serious infections. In this post we tell you about the risks and give you tips for eye protection underwater.

Eye pathologies associated with seawater and swimming pools

Eye irritation: Chlorine and other chemicals in pool water can weaken the tear film that protects and moisturizes the eye, causing irritation, tearing, and foreign body sensation, known as “red eye”.

Infectiousconjunctivitis . The multiple germs and bacteria that coexist in the water can be the cause of this eye infection, whether bacterial or viral.

Keratitis: Some bacteria present in swimming pool water, such as pseudomonas or Acanthamoeba, can cause inflammation of the cornea.

Blurred vision: Very occasionally, regular contact with pool water can lead to chronic problems such as blurred vision.

Stings: In the sea there may be stings from jellyfish or other marine species that usually attack the eyelids. Sometimes they can damage the cornea or conjunctiva, causing a burn.

Traumas: These are more frequent when practicing a water sport, due to physical contact or, less likely nowadays, due to the breakage of the lenses of diving goggles, which are becoming more and more resistant.

Hyposphagma: When scuba diving, an ocular effusion may occur due to pressure changes and does not usually have serious consequences.

Underwater eye protection

Below you have a series of tips that will help you prevent these possible conditions:

• Avoid swimming or diving with your eyes open as much as possible, both in the pool and in the sea.
• Wearing diving goggles approved whenever possible to protect us that meet the following conditions: that they adapt to the contour of the eye creating a vacuum to prevent water from entering, with protection against ultraviolet rays (UV) as the sun can also affect underwater, anti-fog system to prevent fogging, CE mark and ISO reference. And that they are comfortable like those made of foam rubber!
• Do not wear contact lenses under water as this greatly increases the risk of infection. We remind you that prescription goggles are also available.
• Take a shower before getting into the water to avoid any traces of protective creams and other products that may react with chlorine.
• Take a shower afterwards to remove chlorine residues and do not dry the eyes by rubbing excessively.