Red Eyes After Swimming Caused By More Than Chlorine

HOUSTON, TX — Many of us notice red eyes after swimming in a pool or spending time at a water park, and chlorine is not the only reason. So, what else in our pools causes red eyes?

We all know the chlorine smell. It usually smells clean and chemical. But what we usually smell at pools and water parks is a bit less clean.

Click 2 Houston reported that a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention campaign shows the odor is actually the smell of chlorine mixed with urine, feces, dirt and sweat. This causes extreme dryness to the eyes, according to optometrist Dr. Mel Gehrig.

Dryness and allergies are the main cause of red eyes, Gehrig told Click 2 Houston. That, alongside the dirty mix of chemicals in some water, can cause uncomfortable and itchy eyes. Rubbing your eyes when they itch, though it can feel relieving, actually further irritates eyes.

The deep south experiences allergens year-round, according to Gehrig. "It usually comes in three to four times [per year]," he told Click 2 Houston.

Things to know:

• Healthy water generally does not have a strong chemical smell
• If pH and disinfectant levels are within standards the urine and feces chemical mix is not a problem
• Pool inspection results should be available if you want to see the results for yourself
• If you own a pool, test its chemicals regularly
• Swim diapers and swim pants for kids do not block germs from getting into the water
• Wear goggles when swimming
• Bring eye drops (artificial tears) to relieve itchy and dry eyes

Article image via public domain