Optometry Tips for Swimming Safely this Summer

During a Maryland summer, walking outside of your front door means experiencing a shocking wave of humidity. A light rainstorm sometimes provides some respite from the heat, but if the sun is shining it’s best to cool off in your local pool. Whether you’re taking a dip in your backyard or heading to the neighborhood swimming pool, ensure that you’re practicing eye safety.

Remove Contact Lenses

If you wear contact lenses, it’s important that you remove them before swimming in pools or natural waters such as streams. Public pools, oceans, lakes, and rivers are contaminated to various degrees with organisms that can infect your eyes. These infections are more commonly acquired when wearing contact lenses, since the lenses can harbor microbes between the eye and the lens.

Use Swimming Goggles

In order to protect your eyes from bacteria, dirt, and other objects commonly found in pools, wear goggles at all times. The chemicals found in pools, such as chlorine, can wash away the top protective film over your eyes, which is why they may be red or irritated after a swim. Goggles can protect your eyes from these chemicals, allowing you to feel comfortable before, during, and after your swim.

Wear UV Protection

When swimming outside, it’s best to purchase goggles with UV protection. If you’re unable to use goggles with 100% UV protection, simply wear your sunglasses when you’re outside of the pool. Ensure that your eyes are protected at all times outdoors!

CALL THE CATONSVILLE EYE GROUP TODAY!

Here at the Catonsville Eye Group, providing the best patient care is out #1 priority. The professionalism of our doctors coupled with our capable and caring staff, state of the art technology, and extensive frame and lens options are what have made Catonsville Eye Group the first choice for families in our community.  We strive to provide the best possible professional care at fair and reasonable prices to our patients in the most courteous way possible!

If you would like to schedule an appointment, order contact lenses, or ask questions about our services at Catonsville Eye Group, please call our office at (410) 747-1221 or email us by clicking this link. We will respond to your request within 24 hours.

We’re located at the heart of the Music City at 611 Frederick Rd., Suite 101. Drop on by, or schedule an appointment today. We’re looking forward to seeing you!