Red eyes after swimming: what should you know?

Chlorinated pool water and other treated water can disturb the tear film, leaving eyes red, dry or gritty. Salt water may sting, and a tight or poorly fitting goggle can press on the skin around the eyes. Rubbing transfers irritants across the surface and can worsen inflammation. Itching, watering and sneezing may occur with allergic conjunctivitis. Redness with sticky discharge or that continues outside the pool can occur with conjunctivitis, so the swimming setting is not always the whole explanation.

Remove contact lenses before swimming and do not put them back while the eyes are red or uncomfortable. Rinse with clean water or sterile saline, blink gently and use a cool compress over closed eyes. Avoid rubbing and avoid non-prescribed redness-relief drops that can irritate or mask ongoing symptoms. Use well-fitting goggles and shower after swimming to remove residue from the face. If symptoms recur, note whether they follow a pool, sea, lake or a particular pair of goggles.

Get prompt care for eye pain, pronounced light sensitivity, blurred or reduced vision, a sensation that something is stuck, or marked swelling. Seek urgent help after an eye injury or if vision changes suddenly. Arrange an examination if redness or discharge does not settle after rinsing and avoiding swimming, or if one eye becomes progressively more painful.

Could this be surface irritation or an infection? When can I safely resume contact lenses and swimming? Do I need treatment for recurring itching or discharge?