Swimming is one of the best ways to stay in shape. A low-impact sport that uses every part of your body, swimming is the perfect way to set goals, stay in shape, and live healthy. In addition to being a great way to exercise, swimming is a fun activity that people all over the country enjoy, especially in the warmer months when there are more opportunities to get out there. While swimming is fun, there are also some risks and considerations to review before heading out to the pool. In particular, finding the right way to protect your eyes is crucial.
Why Bother Trying to Protect My Eyes?
Good question. The reason why it is worth protecting your eyes is because water can be filled with irritants that will cause sourness, redness, and other problems if your eyes are sensitive. Local rivers and lakes may be filled with pollutants or particulate traces of waste that can irritate the eyes. Swimming pools, on the other hand, are loaded with chemicals like chlorine that can irritate the eyes as well. Along with the water itself, the area around a pool can also cause problems that may cause damage to your eyes.
Protecting Your Eyes in the Water
Getting protective goggles for the pool can keep you from avoiding damage to your eyes. Underwater goggles will help you see and avoid obstacles below the surface of the water. It will also keep the water from coming in contact with your eyes, which can be hurt from the irritants in the water. You will want to search for protective goggles that fit snug around your eyes. You will want the bands tight enough to hold firmly to your head but not tightly enough to pinch. Make sure there is some suction to ensure that your goggles will not fill with water when you go underwater.
Protecting Your Eyes out Of the Water
Wearing sunglasses is one of the most important ways you can protect your eyes. Light will be coming at you from above, as well as reflecting off the surface of the water. This includes a lot of UV rays. A good pair of sunglasses will help protect your eyes while fitting comfortable on your face. Also, you should stay hydrated. Swimming can be a taxing athletic activity, and your body will dehydrate quicker. Dehydration will tax your eyes and increase any irritation. Finally, we warn you not to wear contacts when going into pools or lakes. They have been known to trap things like harmful germs, giving them a chance to grow in and around your eyes. Take out contacts before swimming and make sure your hands are clean before reinserting contacts.
Laurier Optical Innes Eye Clinic is committed to providing expert advice about vision and eye health to the people of Orleans and Ottawa.