Swimming Pool With Sunset

Sunglasses and Goggles – Essentials in the Pool Area

In Pool Safety by Platinum Pools

Summer’s finally here! Everyone is getting ready to plunge into a pool and have some fun. However, it can also be a time that can harm your eyes if not protected. According to WebMD, many patients come to the emergency room with “eye burns” each year.

In this blog, we will mention the two essential eyewear articles you should have during the summer. Enjoy the sun and the pool as long as you protect your eyes. 

Goggles

At any time, anyone can experience “swimmer’s eyes” despite having a leisure swim or training for a competition.  

The invention of the goggles makes swimming more enjoyable and without harming your eyes. Eye doctors suggest protecting your eyes while in a pool:

1. Why Pool Water Can be Harmful to Your Eyes

Pool water can be harsh on the eyes since it needs chlorine to keep it clean. However, it can compromise the natural lubrication of your eyes. Pool water washes away the eye’s tear film, becoming dry, inflamed, and irritated. The tear layer protects the eyes from letting microorganisms in; without it, it can cause eye infections. 

2. No Contact Lenses 

Contact lenses are the ideal corrective eye options, except for when swimming, because the space between the lenses and the eyes is a breeding area for bacteria and other microorganisms. Rigid, gas-permeable contact lenses shrink quickly in water, which can become dislodged while a person is underwater. On the other hand, soft contact lenses are often porous, making it easier for microbes to enter your eyes.

3. Wear Water-Tight Goggles When Swimming

Wearing water-tight goggles is one of the most effective ways to keep your eyes protected when swimming. It can prevent water from coming in contact with your eyes, keeping your tear film intact, and preventing infection.

4. Wash Your Eyes

Splash your eyes with clean water after swimming to flush away any microbes. Your optometrist also recommends applying lubricating eye drops to moisturize your eyes. Drink plenty of water as well to keep your eyes hydrated.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses are more than a clothing accessory. There are many shapes and tints to choose from, but they protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Whether a person enjoys the outdoors or, in this case, lounge by the swimming pool on a sunny day, remember sunglasses protect your eyes. It is essential to understand and know how sunglasses protect the eyes.

Different Types of Sunglasses Lenses

Several types of lenses come in handy depending on the occasion. There are those used for driving, extra bright areas, or just convenience. Let’s take a look at the different types of sunglass lenses, how they work and which one is right for a specific situation: 

Gradient

Gradient lenses have a tint from top-down to shield eyes from overhead sunlight. It also allows more light through the bottom half.

Mirror Coated Lines

Mirror-coated lenses are excellent for bright days, apart from making someone look like a secret agent. 

Photo-Chromatic

Photo-chromatic, or transition lenses, have a tint that adjusts when exposed to sunlight automatically.

Prescription

Forget about clip-on or magnetic sun lenses. Instead, prescribed sunglasses are now available tinted to any darkness you want.

Polarized Sunglasses

If a person is by the pool, for example, is not using sunglasses, the light and glare that comes from the water can create discomfort or distorted vision. Here is where the polarized sunglasses come to the rescue. It has a particular laminated chemical using a vertical pattern on the lenses, helping protect the eyes from sun damage.   

How Do Sunglasses Protect Your Eyes?

Many fashionistas say that sunglasses are a must in your wardrobe, but they are much more than that. Experts say that sunglasses protect your eyes by blocking the UV rays from the sun. Ensure to get sunglasses that protect the eyes from UV rays by at least ninety-nine percent.

The Risks

The sun has different types of rays, but UV rays are the most harmful to the eyes. The two basic types of sunlight are UVA and UVB, which reach the earth’s surface. These rays are significantly stronger between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.

The sun’s rays can penetrate through different angles of the eyeball. For example, UVA rays can reach the retina in the back of your eye, while UVB rays can reach the cornea in the front of the eye. 

Sunglasses prevent UV rays from penetrating your eye, saving a person from potential damage or vision loss.

Long Term Risks  Short Term Risks
Cataracts
Macular
Degeneration
Pinguecula
Photokeratitis
Cancer of the eye
Age-related Macular Degeneration
Swollen eyes
Bloodshot eyes
Hypersensitivity to light

Also, by taking these precautions for protecting your eyes, you must visit your eye doctor regularly. Do not ignore any eye issues (even the smallest ones).  At Platinum Pools, we care for our clients’ safety.