August 12, 2026 By Cassandra Egli

How to Treat Red Eyes After Swimming?

Red eyes after swimming are typically caused by chloramines, irritating compounds that form when pool chlorine reacts with sweat, sunscreen, and other organic matter in the water. The redness, stinging, and watering most swimmers feel after time in the pool are signs that the tear film on the surface of the eye has been disrupted.

Eye redness or irritation after time in a chlorinated pool is a common experience among recreational swimmers. In most cases, symptoms resolve within one to two days with simple at-home care.

What Causes Red Eyes After Swimming

The condition, sometimes called swimmer's eye, is most often caused by chloramines. These by-products form when pool chlorine reacts with sweat, sunscreen, urine, and other organic matter introduced to the water by swimmers.

The strong chemical odor at indoor pools isn't actually from chlorine itself. It comes from these irritating compounds, which signal that the chlorine is being used up neutralizing contaminants rather than killing germs. The same by-products that produce the smell also irritate the eyes.

When chloramines come into contact with the eyes, they break down the protective surface layer of moisture that shields the cornea. Without that layer, the cornea is exposed to irritation, which leads to stinging, redness, and watery eyes. That is the burning sensation many swimmers know well.

Common Symptoms of Swimmer's Eye

Red eyes after swimming are usually a combination of dryness and irritation. In some cases, symptoms progress to mild conjunctivitis, which may need professional evaluation. Common symptoms include:

Redness across the white of the eye
A burning or stinging sensation
Watery eyes or unusual discharge
Blurred vision that doesn't clear after blinking
Swollen eyelids
Itchiness or a gritty feeling

Patients with pre-existing eye conditions, including dry eye disease or allergies, are often more susceptible to chlorine-related eye irritation. Contact lens wearers also face a higher risk because pool water can become trapped between the lens and the cornea, which increases the chance of irritation or infection.

Steps to Treat Red Eyes After Swimming

Most cases of swimmer's eye improve within one to two days with simple at-home care. The following steps can help relieve symptoms more quickly.

Rinse the Eyes with Clean Water

Rinse the eyes with clean, lukewarm water or sterile saline solution as soon as you leave the pool. Rinsing helps flush out chlorine by-products and supports the tear film as it recovers. Avoid rubbing the eyes, which can worsen irritation.

Apply a Cool Compress

A clean, cool compress placed over closed eyes for 5 to 10 minutes can reduce inflammation and ease the burning sensation. Repeat as needed throughout the day for additional relief.

Use Preservative-Free Artificial Tears

Preservative-free artificial tears or lubricating eye drops help restore moisture to the eye surface while it heals. Apply them several times a day until symptoms resolve. Avoid eye drops marketed to “get the red out,” because they constrict surface blood vessels and can cause rebound redness with repeated use.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated supports your overall health, but it does not meaningfully speed recovery from chlorine-related eye irritation. If burning or dryness continues after a day or two, preservative-free artificial tears remain the more effective option.

How to Prevent Red Eyes After Swimming

The most effective way to prevent red eyes after swimming is to wear well-fitting swim goggles. They create a watertight seal around the eyes that blocks contact with pool chemicals and contaminants. Protective eyewear also improves underwater visibility, which reduces the urge to open the eyes underwater.

Well-fitted goggles are the single most effective step for preventing pool-related eye irritation. Additional steps to protect the eyes while swimming include the following.

Stay hydrated before and after swimming.
Remove contact lenses before getting in the water. Wait at least 20 to 30 minutes after swimming before putting them back in.
Use the restroom before swimming, and step out of the pool if needed during a session.
Rinse off in the shower before entering the pool to remove sweat, sunscreen, and dirt.
Wear a swim cap to keep hair, hair products, and other particles away from the eyes.
Change diapers in the designated area, not poolside, to reduce contamination.
Keep children with diarrhea out of the pool until they have fully recovered.

These habits reduce the formation of irritants and lower the overall risk of post-swim eye irritation for everyone using the pool.

How Long Does Chlorine Eye Irritation Last

Mild chlorine eye irritation typically resolves within one to two days with at-home care. The exact recovery time depends on how long the eyes were exposed, whether you rinsed them soon after swimming, whether you were wearing contact lenses, and whether you have pre-existing eye conditions.

If redness, burning, or blurred vision persists beyond two days, the cause is likely something more than chlorine exposure. Pool-related conjunctivitis and corneal abrasions can produce similar symptoms and benefit from a professional evaluation.

When to See an Eye Doctor

Schedule an appointment with your optometrist if any of the following occur after swimming.

Redness or irritation that lasts more than two days.
Eye pain, light sensitivity, or persistent blurred vision.
Thick yellow or green discharge or crusty eyelids upon awakening.
Contact lens wearers experiencing redness or discomfort, since they have a higher risk of infection.
Any eye injury or exposure to a chemical other than pool water.

Children and patients with only one functional eye should be evaluated promptly for any of the symptoms listed above.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get chlorine out of your eyes?

Rinse the eyes with clean, lukewarm water or sterile saline solution as soon as possible after swimming. Continue rinsing for at least 30 seconds. Avoid rubbing the eyes, and follow up with artificial tears to restore moisture to the eye surface.

Why do my eyes burn after swimming in a pool?

The burning sensation comes from chloramines, by-products formed when chlorine reacts with sweat, sunscreen, and other organic matter in the water. These compounds disrupt the protective layer on the cornea, exposing the surface to irritation. Symptoms typically improve within one to two days with at-home care.

Is it safe to wear contact lenses while swimming?

Most eye doctors advise against wearing contact lenses while swimming. Pool water can become trapped between the lens and the cornea, which increases the risk of irritation and infection from bacteria such as Acanthamoeba. Prescription swim goggles or daily disposable lenses worn under protective eyewear are safer alternatives.

Can pool water cause pink eyes?

Yes, pool water can cause pink eye. Pool water can transmit bacterial or viral conjunctivitis, particularly in pools with low chlorine levels or heavy use. Symptoms include persistent redness, discharge, and irritation that doesn't improve with rinsing or artificial tears. See your doctor if these symptoms develop.

Should children wear goggles in the pool?

Yes. Children are especially prone to swimmer's eye because they often open their eyes underwater, and well-fitting goggles block pool chemicals and reduce the risk of irritation, infection, and corneal abrasion. Choosing a pair that fits comfortably encourages consistent use.

Schedule an Eye Exam

If symptoms last more than a day or two, worsen, or are accompanied by pain, light sensitivity, or discharge, a comprehensive eye exam can identify the cause and guide treatment.