On a steamy, muggy day, there are no other more refreshing activities than swimming in a pool or lake. However, it can raise your risk of contracting an eye problem from polluted water. Bacteria, viruses, or other microbes in water can result in eye infections.
Conjunctivitis, also known as “pink eye,” is the most common kind of eye infection caused by swimming in toxic water. The eyes get reddish, and fluid discharge when you swim in such water. Whenever a person receives pink eyes, the membranes covering the internal eyelid and the whites of the eyes become inflamed.
Can You Get Pink Eye From a Swimming Pool?
Yes, you can. Since the infection is commonly spread chiefly in swimming pools, it’s also known as “swimming pool conjunctivitis.” The chlorine used to maintain swimming pool water off germs is probably the cause of pink eye. Chlorine, however, in swimming pools is effective at keeping the water clean. On the other hand, it’s ineffective at killing viruses and preventing the spread of the infection. It’s a powerful chemical that irritates the eyes’ delicate tissues.
Your eyes could become bright red, sandy or scratchy after swimming. When swimming in treated water, that’s why it’s advisable to wear goggles or close your eyes. The chlorine-induced pink eye generally does not require treatment. It would help if you used cloth pads after soaking in ice-cold water over the eye can be very helpful.
The redness must dissipate within a few days. It’s best to avoid getting in the water till the irritation subsides.
Aside from pink or perhaps even bloodshot eyes, there’s usually some discharge from your eye, which could be clear tears or colored discharge. The disease is infectious as long as your eye is reddish, mainly if there is a secretion. A person may experience light sensitivity, blurred vision, and eye discomfort. Pink eyes can be bothersome, but it rarely causes vision problems. If the person’s cornea is damaged, it might severely impact their vision. Consult your doctor if you suspect that.
Is it safe to swim if you do have pink eyes?
Yes, essentially, but it isn’t a smart option for various reasons. When you swim and have pink eyes, you risk a variety of complications. It’s typically best to avoid swimming until the infection has cleared up for various reasons, including worsening symptoms and a higher likelihood of spreading the disease to many other swimmers.
Both bacterial and viral, Conjunctivitis is exceptionally infectious, spread rapidly, and is unpleasant for everyone who gets it. Once you get pink eyes, it’s critical to keep them from worsening and spreading to others.
As a result, excessive chlorine could be harmful. The pink eye could also be a result of a lack of chlorine. With too little chlorine in water, a pool can become infected with bacteria, viruses, and other germs that aren’t visible. These microbes can lead to an infection that causes redness and a flimsy, watery discharge from the eyes.
Keep in mind that a pool’s chemistry is essential for swimmers’ eye, respiratory, or skin comfort.
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