KEEPING YOUR EYES SAFE WHILE SWIMMING

July 22, 2024

As the temperatures soar in Alberta this month, many of us look to cool down by heading to the beach, the pool or the lake. While it’s likely that most don’t consider swimming to be particularly dangerous to our eyes, there are a few hazards to be aware of before you jump in.

A man and a woman are floating on an inflatable raft in the water.

Infection

Bodies of water that are shallower are at risk of causing eye infections due to their higher temperatures. While bacteria are the most common agents causing trouble in the eyes, another rare but serious infection can result from a parasite called Acanthamoeba, commonly found in all types of water from lakes to rivers and oceans. People who wear contact lenses are particularly vulnerable to Acanthamoeba infection, which can be very difficult to treat and even cause permanent vision loss. It’s not recommended to wear contact lenses while swimming due to the risk of Acanthamoeba infection.


Sun damage

Ultraviolet light from the sun is intensified when we are exposed to large bodies of water, because of reflection.


Chlorine irritation

Red, irritated eyes, burning, and blurred vision can result from exposure to chlorinated pools.


Here are 8 handy tips to remember to avoid having your lake holiday interrupted by an eye problem:


  • Remove contact lenses before swimming – due to higher risk of infection. Disposable lenses that are replaced on a daily basis reduce the risk, however, prescription goggles are the safest way to correct your vision while swimming.
  • Wear sunglasses – follow the advice in our previous article about choosing proper sunwear, and use them as soon as you get out of the water.
  • Avoid swimming in lakes that are too warm – to avoid exposure to infectious agents such as bacteria.
  • Don’t rub your eyes – this may cause scratches on your cornea which are an opportunity for infection, and may also introduce bacteria and other irritants.
  • Use artificial tears – following a swimming session, add a few drops of preservative-free artificial tears to re-establish a normal tear film and help remove any contaminants you may have been exposed to.
  • Wear goggles – well-fitted goggles will protect your eyes from a variety of hazards while swimming.
  • Consult your MVO Optometrist – if you experience any of the following symptoms in your eyes after swimming: pain, redness, discharge, excessive tearing, blurry vision, feeling of something stuck in your eye, excessive light sensitivity.


A bit of attention to this precautionary advice will avoid causing an unwelcome interruption to your beach vacation. Enjoy your summer holidays!


Reference: https://www.visionmonday.com/scene-and-heard/todays-read/article/keeping-your-eyes-safe-while-swimming-and-sunning/

A little girl wearing glasses and a blue dress.
By Rosendo C March 26, 2025
Discover Opal's playful and stylish children's eyewear, blending fashion and entertainment with popular licenses that kids love.
A woman wearing glasses and a red sweater is laughing.
By Rosendo C March 26, 2025
Celebrate ØRGREEN OPTICS’ legacy with the 1415 campaign, a tribute to Copenhagen’s oldest postal code. Discover how the city’s canals and creative energy inspire their unique designs.
A woman wearing glasses and a black pleated top
By Rosendo C March 26, 2025
Explore Etnia Barcelona’s new eyewear collection, where vibrant colors, bold contrasts, and premium acetates create striking designs. Celebrate individuality with frames that exude confidence and style.
A woman with glasses and a flower in her hair
By Rosendo C March 26, 2025
Dive into Etnia Barcelona's Underwater campaign, a surreal exploration of the ocean's depths. Discover a mystical AI-created world where vibrant flora, fauna, and mythical beings bring the beauty of the deep sea to life.
A man with a beard wearing maui jim sunglasses
By Rosendo C March 20, 2025
Discover Maui Jim sunglasses at Mountain View Optometry, featuring PolarizedPlus2® lens technology for superior glare protection, enhanced colors, and UV defense. Experience unmatched clarity and eye comfort with premium polarized lenses.
A man wearing sunglasses and a maui jim logo
By Rosendo C March 20, 2025
Maui Jim Sunglasses Spring-Summer 2025
A woman wearing glasses is standing in front of a colorful background.
By Rosendo C March 16, 2025
Thierry Lasry Eyewear Calgary - 2024 Campaign
A close up of a woman wearing glasses.
By Rosendo C March 16, 2025
Thierry Lasry Eyewear Calgary - 2023 Campaign
By Tom Wilk March 7, 2025
As a locally owned business, we deeply appreciate your support. Recent events have prompted us to reflect on how many other Canadian companies are also supported when you visit us for eye care services. This month, we are proud to highlight one of our key “Made in Canada” suppliers – ZEISS Vision. Specializing in precision optics, ZEISS spectacle lenses are designed to improve vision in several ways, including sharper vision at night, better contrast, and more natural colours. When you order a set of new ZEISS lenses from MVO, you support a Canadian company employing 250 dedicated staff who work hard to custom build the glasses you will be wearing for (on average) the next two to three years! Thank you for your commitment to keeping your business in Canada!
A man is holding a pair of glasses in his hand and rubbing his eyes.
By Tom Wilk March 5, 2025
Visual snow syndrome (VSS) is a condition that causes people to see visual disturbances similar to static on a television. This "visual snow" can be persistent and is often accompanied by other symptoms that can affect daily life. As more people learn about visual snow syndrome, it becomes essential to understand its symptoms, potential causes, and how to manage it.
Show More
Share by: