A Complete Guide to Eye Health in the Water. Swimming eye infections and more.
Spring is finally here. The sun is getting stronger, the evenings are stretching out, and for most of us, the first holiday search of the year is already open in a browser tab somewhere.
Whether you’re dreaming of a pool in Lanzarote, a dip in the Adriatic, or a paddleboarding adventure on the Norfolk Broads — this season is all about getting in the water.
But here’s something that often gets forgotten in the excitement of booking flights and packing bags: your eyes need protecting too.
Not just from the sun, though we’ll get to that… But from the water itself. so here are some essential tips on How to Protect Your Eyes When Swimming.
Eye infections picked up abroad can be genuinely painful, stubborn to treat, and without the right travel insurance, surprisingly expensive.
The good news? A little preparation goes a very long way.
At Coleman Opticians, we want you to enjoy every second of your holiday. And that starts with looking after the eyes that help you soak it all in.
Why Water and Eyes Are a Tricky Combination
Water, whether it’s a resort pool, a tropical sea, a river, or a lake — is rarely as clean as it looks. Swimming pools contain chlorine, which, while necessary for hygiene, can strip away the tear film that keeps your eyes comfortable and clear. Sea water carries salt, bacteria, and in many popular destinations, microorganisms that your eyes simply aren’t used to. Rivers and lakes? They can harbour some of the most stubborn bacteria going.
The result of unprotected exposure can range from a bit of redness and irritation to more serious conditions like conjunctivitis (pink eye), bacterial keratitis, or in rare but very real cases, infections caused by Acanthamoeba, a microscopic organism found in natural water sources that can cause severe eye damage, particularly in contact lens wearers.
This isn’t meant to alarm you — millions of people swim abroad every year without any issues. But understanding the risks means you can take simple, effective steps to protect yourself.
If You Wear Contact Lenses — This Section Is For You
Contact lenses and water are not a good combination. Full stop. Whether you’re swimming, snorkelling, showering, or relaxing in a hot tub, wearing contact lenses in any body of water significantly increases your risk of eye infection.
Here’s why: contact lenses can act like a sponge, trapping bacteria, parasites, and other microorganisms against the surface of your eye. In water, lenses can also warp or move, reducing vision and increasing discomfort. Even the highest quality daily lenses aren’t designed to handle what a pool or the sea can throw at them.
Our advice? If you’re swimming, take your lenses out. Always. And if you want to be able to see clearly in the water, which, especially when snorkelling or scuba diving, you absolutely will. There are much better options available.
We stock a wide range of prescription swimming goggles here at Coleman Opticians, so you never have to choose between clear vision and eye safety. Pop in and see us and we’ll help you find the perfect fit.
Tip: Always travel with your glasses as a backup.
Losing or damaging your contact lenses abroad especially in a country where English isn’t the first language is a stressful situation you really don’t want to be in.
How to protect your eyes when swimming. Use Goggles: It’s the Single Best Thing You Can Do
A good pair of swimming goggles is the most effective piece of eye protection you can take on holiday.
They create a seal around the eyes that keeps pool chemicals, sea water, bacteria, and UV light out. And if you opt for prescription goggles, you get clear, comfortable vision at the same time.
Not all goggles are created equal, though. The pair you picked up from the pound shop a few summers ago probably isn’t giving you the protection you think it is. Look for goggles that:
- Offer UV400 protection, especially important if you’re swimming outdoors
- Have a secure, adjustable seal that fits your face comfortably
- Feature anti-fog coating for clear vision throughout your swim
- Are rated for the type of swimming you’re doing, open water and diving goggles differ from pool goggles
At Coleman Opticians, we carry a carefully selected range of swimming goggles for adults and children alike — including prescription options.
Whether you’re a casual pool swimmer or an open water enthusiast, we’ve got something to suit you.
Don’t Underestimate the Glare
Even when you’re not in the water, the water is a hazard for your eyes.
Sunlight reflecting off the surface of a swimming pool, the sea, or a lake creates intense glare that can cause eye strain and headaches. Over prolonged exposure, it contribute to long-term UV damage including cataracts and macular degeneration.
This is where your holiday sunglasses earn their place and we’d gently encourage you to think beyond the gift shop rack.
Fashion sunglasses without proper UV protection can actually be more harmful than wearing nothing at all, because they cause your pupils to dilate (letting in more light) while offering no UV barrier.
What to look for in sunglasses for water environments:
- UV400 protection — blocks 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays
- Polarised lenses — dramatically reduce glare from water and reflective surfaces
- Wraparound or close-fitting styles — minimise light entering from the sides
- Durable, lightweight frames — essential if you’re active on the water
Our sunglasses range at Coleman Opticians includes everything from everyday holiday styles to performance eyewear for water sports.
Prescription sunglasses are available too, because there’s no reason your clarity of vision should be compromised just because the sun’s out.
Water Sports: When the Stakes Are Higher
For those with more adventurous holidays on the agenda, there are activities like like kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, surfing, kitesurfing, snorkelling, scuba diving. This is new territory where eye protection isn’t just a comfort consideration, it’s a safety one.
Moving water, spray, and sudden submersions mean your eyes are under more stress than a gentle pool float. For water sports, we’d particularly recommend:
- Polarised wraparound sunglasses for above-water activities where glare is intense
- Prescription diving masks or snorkel masks if you need corrected vision underwater
- Properly fitting, sport-rated goggles that won’t dislodge on impact
- Considering daily disposable contact lenses as a one-use option for certain activities — always check with us first
Many people don’t realise that prescription options exist for almost every water sport scenario.
Did you know we stock Oakley Sports Glasses and that we can order Watersport specific glasses? That’s right.
Oakley, renowned for their range of high quality sporting eyewear and fantastic lenses, have a range of wraparounds, that are suitable for waterspouts.
They also offer the phenomenal Split Shot with the Prizm, Deep water, polarised lenses especially for open water clarity.
How to protect your eyes when swimming and after Swimming: Quick Eye Care Tips
A few simple habits after your swim can make a real difference to your eye health throughout the holiday:
- Rinse your eyes with clean, fresh water after swimming in pools or the sea
- If you’ve been wearing goggles, rinse those too and allow them to dry properly
- Avoid rubbing your eyes. Tempting as it is, rubbing after swimming can push irritants deeper
- If your eyes feel red, gritty, or sensitive after swimming, rest them and consider antihistamine eye drops if irritation is allergy-related
- If redness, discharge, or pain develops, particularly after swimming in natural water, seek medical advice promptly. Don’t wait and hope it passes.
If you develop any eye symptoms abroad, keep details of your travel insurance policy to hand.
Eye infections may require prescription treatment, and the cost of urgent eye care in certain countries can be unexpectedly high without cover.
Before You Go: A Holiday Eye Health Checklist
- Book a contact lens check or eye test if it’s overdue — now is the perfect time
- Pick up a fresh supply of daily contact lenses for travel (the most hygienic option)
- Invest in a proper pair of UV400, polarised sunglasses — your future self will thank you
- Consider prescription swimming goggles if you need corrected vision in the water
- Pack lubricating eye drops — air conditioning in hotels and flights can cause dryness
- Bring a spare pair of glasses in case of lens mishaps
- Check your travel insurance covers emergency eye care
Come and See Us Before You Go
At Coleman Opticians in Norwich, we love helping our patients make the most of their holidays, with eyes that are healthy, comfortable, and well-protected. We hope that this article gives just a little insight into How to Protect Your Eyes When Swimming.
Whether you need an eye test, new contact lenses, prescription goggles, polarised sunglasses, or simply some friendly advice, our team is here for you.
Pop into our practice, give us a call, or book an appointment online.
We’d love to see you and to help make sure your eyes are holiday-ready.
