Last Updated:April 05, 2025, 10:43 IST

While it plays an important role in maintaining hygiene, too much chlorine can cause problems—especially for your eyes. Many people experience red, itchy, or burning eyes after swimming.

Chlorine is widely used in swimming pools and other recreational water venues to keep the water clean and free from harmful bacteria and viruses. While it plays an important role in maintaining hygiene, too much chlorine can cause problems—especially for your eyes. Many people experience red, itchy, or burning eyes after swimming. This condition often called swimmer’s eyes, is caused by allergic conjunctivitis or irritation due to chlorine and disruption of the tear film. Dr. Anupama V, Consultant Ophthalmologist, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital Chennai shares all you need to know:

One of the main culprits behind eye irritation is a chemical called chloramine. It forms when

chlorine in the pool reacts with organic materials like sweat, urine, skin flakes, oil and even cosmetics. Chloramine causes a strong chlorine smell.

Chloramine causes discomfort in the eyes, leading to symptoms like:

• Redness and swelling

• Burning or stinging sensation

• Blurry vision

• Watery eyes

• A gritty or scratchy feeling

People tend to rub their eys in response to this discomfort and this can make the irritation worse and even cause tiny scratches in the cornea (corneal abrasions). The chemicals also cause disruption of the protective tear film. In severe cases, bacteria can enter through these disrupted areas and lead to conditions like conjunctivitis, which may require medical treatment.

Prevention Tips

Thankfully, there are several simple steps swimmers and pool operators can take to reduce the risk of chlorine-related eye issues:

1. Check and Maintain Chlorine Levels: Pool owners should regularly monitor chlorine levels

and ensure they stay within the safe range.

2. Wear Swimming Goggles: Swimmers must always protect their eyes with a good pair of swimming goggles to avoid exposure to these harmful chemicals.

3. Limit Time in the Pool: Longer times in the pool increases the risk of exposure and infections. Swimmers must take regular breaks to protect their eyes from constant exposure.

4. Shower Before and After Swimming: Showering before entering the pool helps reduce

contaminants, and showering afterward removes chlorine from your skin and face.

5. Remove Contact Lenses: Swimming with contact lenses increases the risk of infection, especially from organisms like Acanthamoeba. Avoid swimming with contact lenses in the eye.

6. Avoid Swimming with Irritated Eyes: If your eyes are already red or sore, give them time to heal before swimming again.

7. Do not rub the eyes: In case of any symptoms in the eye, make sure not to rub your eyes and avoid re-inserting contact lenses.

8. Avoid swimming post ocular procedures / surgeries: If you have undergone any type of procedure in the eye like laser refractive correction or cataract surgery, consult with your eye doctor before resuming swimming.

If symptoms like redness, pain, or blurred vision last more than 24 hours, it is best to consult an eye specialist. By following these precautions, you can enjoy swimming without putting your eyes at risk.