Chlorine Eyes: Why Your Eyes Burn After Swimming

If you’ve ever left the pool and felt a gritty, burning sensation in your eyes, you’re not alone. The culprit is usually chlorine, a chemical used to keep water clean. While it does a great job killing germs, it can also strip the protective layer on the surface of your eye, leaving it dry and irritated.

Most people think the sting will go away on its own, but that’s not always true. Ignoring the problem can make your eyes red, watery, and even blurry. The good news is that you can spot the signs early and take fast steps to feel better.

Common Signs of Chlorine Eye Irritation

Look out for these symptoms after a swim:

• Redness around the white part of the eye.
• A gritty feeling, like there’s sand in your eye.
• Watery or excessive tearing.
• Blurred vision that clears up after a few minutes.
• Itching or burning that lasts more than an hour.

If you notice any of these, it’s a clear sign that chlorine has irritated your eyes. Contact lens wearers are especially prone to these issues because the lenses can trap chlorine against the eye surface.

Quick Relief Tips & Prevention

Here’s what you can do right now to calm the burn:

1. Rinse your eyes with clean, cool water as soon as you get out of the pool. A gentle stream helps wash away leftover chlorine.
2. Use lubricating eye drops (also called artificial tears). Choose preservative‑free drops if you plan to use them often.
3. Avoid rubbing your eyes. Rubbing can damage the delicate surface and make redness worse.
4. If you wear contacts, take them out immediately after swimming. Switch to glasses for the rest of the day.
5. Apply a cold compress for a few minutes. The coolness reduces swelling and soothes the sting.

To keep chlorine eyes from happening in the first place, try these preventive habits:

• Wear swim goggles that fit snugly and block water from reaching your eyes.
• Keep your pool’s chlorine levels in the recommended range (1–3 ppm). Too much chlorine equals more irritation.
• Take a short shower before you jump in. A clean body reduces the amount of organic matter that chlorine has to react with, which can lower the chlorine needed.
• Consider using a hypoallergenic eye drop before you swim. It adds a protective film that makes it harder for chlorine to strip away your eye’s natural moisture.
• If you’re very sensitive, look for pools that use alternative sanitizers like bromine or UV light.

Most people find relief within a few hours if they act quickly. However, if redness, pain, or blurred vision persists for more than 24 hours, it’s wise to see an eye doctor. Persistent symptoms could mean a more serious condition like a corneal abrasion.

Remember, a little preparation goes a long way. By rinsing, using drops, and protecting your eyes with goggles, you can enjoy the pool without the uncomfortable sting. Next time you head for a swim, keep these tips in mind and say goodbye to chlorine eyes for good.