Protecting Your Eyes While Swimming: The Importance of Swim Goggles
Swimming is a fantastic way to stay active and healthy. Unfortunately, not everyone is aware of the importance of eye safety when enjoying a swim. Below, our New Holland eye care team at Optometric Associates discusses how swim goggles can help keep your eyes safe while at the pool, beach or lake.
Eye Health Risks While Swimming
Pool water and other environments like lakes or oceans can expose your eyes to bacteria, chemicals, and debris. Chlorine, commonly used in pools, protects swimmers from harmful pathogens. Unfortunately, along with other chemicals, chlorine can also cause serious irritation to the eye’s outer surface, leading to redness, itching, and discomfort. Natural bodies of water, such as lakes or oceans, can harbor bacteria or microorganisms that may lead to infections if they come into direct contact with the eyes. Fortunately, swim goggles can help protect against these and other dangers!
How Swim Goggles Can Help Protect Your Eyes
Swim goggles create a secure, watertight seal, shielding your eyes from harmful substances. They prevent chemicals, bacteria, and small particles from reaching your eyes, significantly reducing the risk of irritation, infections, and longer-term damage. Goggles also enhance your vision underwater, allowing you to see clearly and navigate safely, whether you’re swimming laps or enjoying recreational swimming.
About Prescription Swim Goggles
For those with vision needs, prescription swim goggles offer the added benefit of providing clear vision underwater without the need for contact lenses. Wearing contact lenses while swimming is generally discouraged, as lenses can trap bacteria and lead to serious eye infections. Prescription swim goggles allow you to see accurately while protecting your eyes, making them an ideal choice for those who need corrective lenses.
Our practice offers both prescription and non-prescription swim goggles, ensuring that all swimmers have access to high-quality, protective eyewear to enhance both safety and comfort in the water. Investing in swim goggles is a simple yet effective way to safeguard your eyes and enjoy a worry-free swim.
