GET POOL READY THIS SUMMER WITH OUR TOP TIPS ON HOW TO PROTECT YOUR EYES WHILST SWIMMING.

We are so close to the holidays and firing up our BBQ's for an epic Summer with family and friends, and fingers crossed for a hot one! But first, let's chat about looking after those baby blues when jumping into the water, either local or abroad.

Whether it be lakes, rivers, sea or pools, it's important to remember to take care of yours and little one's eyes against eye infections whilst swimming. At OCULA, we're keen to help and share the best advice to keep your eye health game strong. 

You may already be familiar with the usual telltale signs of water-borne eye issues; stinging, burning and bloodshot eyes. So what other issues are we ‘swimming’ into when we take the leap on the rope swing, plunging into the cool refreshing water?

What is in the water that can cause our eyes harm? 

Swimming pools: Just think for a moment about all of the things that can make its way into the water….leaves, insects, dust, stones, sweat, sunblock, perfume, hair, and even urine (gross, but true!) ….and the list goes on!

• Algae 
• Chlorine 
• Chemicals 
• Fungi 
• Parasites
• Bacteria 
• Salt

So, here are a few tips to ponder, because suffering from eye infections this Summer is a bit of a wet blanket (excuse the pun!). 

CARE ADVICE FROM OUR OCULA OPTOMETRISTS 

SWITCH TO DAILY DISPOSABLE CONTACT LENSES WHEN SWIMMING OR HOT TUB-ING

Ideally, you shouldn't wear contacts whilst swimming due to the risk of infection from waterborne bacteria and parasites that can cause eye infections. 

But for some of us who are less able-sighted, this isn't an option! If you do need to wear contact lenses for swimming, then daily disposable contact lenses are recommended and should be worn while swimming and then removed and discarded when you are finished swimming and replaced with a fresh pair of contacts to continue your day. 

If you would like to have a spare set in your bag ready for the spontaneous trip to the lake or seaside, we recommend calling us today, at one of your local stores in Queenstown, Wanaka or Christchurch. We will sort you out with some daily disposable contact lenses, ready for Summer.

DO YOU GET RED STINGING EYES? 

Whether you just enjoy a quick dip or compete in The Ruby Swim Wanaka, using a lubricating eye drop after swimming can be soothing for the eyes as well as a cold compress to reduce any redness.  

COLD PRESS

We prefer to use 'The Eye Dr. Plus Hot & Cold'* pack as it stays cool for longer than a cold wet face cloth and provides soothing relief of symptoms of dry eyes when used regularly it can make a big positive impact on your day to day life.

EYE DROPS

We recommend using a preservative-free lubricant eye drop to help soothe the pain of sore eyes after swimming. Our favourites our Systane Hydration UD Lubricant Eye Drops & Evolve Eye Drops * - always good to have on hand and safe for the whole family for a number of causes of sore eyes.

*You can find these products in any OCULA store

PUT THOSE GOGGLES ON! 

Sometimes we need to be reminded we're not marine animals and that our eyes were not created to be underwater!

So it is best to use swimming goggles if you like to keep your eyes open underwater, or if you're in the water for extended periods of time. Goggles protect the delicate membranes of your eyes from harsh pool chemicals along with the other nasties we mentioned earlier. 

At OCULA, we provide a service where you can get your prescription made for custom swimming goggles, pretty cool! If you would like more information on custom goggles please contact us today.

If you're a keen swimmer, a contact lens wearer or a parent worried about your children's eyes, we hope this has given you a little insight on how to prepare for the water adventures this Summer and the signs to look out for of an eye infection.

If you know you suffer from sore, dry eyes already and are concerned about your eyes in the water, contact us today. We are here to help and support!

See you at the poolside bar!

OCULA TEAM