• Infections

Summertime Safety: How to Prevent Eye Infections from Pools

Medically reviewed and edited by Theresa Vergara, CNP-BC

As the summer months roll around, you may be spending more time in and around a pool. But did you know that this may increase your risk of getting an eye infection?

Various factors contribute to this increased risk, including poor pool maintenance and overcrowding. 

Luckily, eye infections are often easily treated and can even be prevented with the right steps. 

Read on to discover the most common causes, treatments, and preventative strategies for water-borne eye infections to ensure you have a stress-free summer.

What is an Eye Infection?

An eye infection occurs when harmful microorganisms — such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi — invade the eye, causing inflammation and discomfort. Other symptoms may include:

• Redness in one or both eyes

• Pain

• Itchiness 

• Swollen eyelids

• Watery or unusual discharge

• Blurred vision

• Increased light sensitivity

The severity of these infections can vary from mild irritations to severe conditions that may threaten your vision if not treated promptly.

Types of eye infections that might be contracted from pools

When swimming in pools, certain types of eye infections can occur more frequently due to microorganisms that thrive in moist environments. These infections include:

• Conjunctivitis (pink eye): This is one of the most common eye infections associated with pool water. It can be caused by bacteria or viruses that spread easily in water. Symptoms include redness, itchiness and damage to the tear film, which keeps the eyes moist.

• Adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis (EKC): This is a viral infection that can be spread through water and direct contact with contaminated surfaces. It affects both the conjunctiva and the cornea of the eye, causing pain, blurred vision, and light sensitivity.

• Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK): Although this infection is less common, it’s more serious and is caused by a type of amoeba found in water, including poorly maintained swimming pools. It can lead to severe pain and vision impairment without prompt treatment.

Factors That Contribute to Eye Infections in Pools

Poor pool maintenance

The cleanliness and chemical balance of the pool water is essential for preventing eye infections.

This includes regularly monitoring and adjusting the chlorine levels — a chemical that can help kill any lingering bacteria — and ensuring that the pH balance (between 7 and 7.6) is stable.

An imbalance in these levels can create an environment where bacteria grow and multiply, increasing your risk of infection. 

You can ensure proper pool maintenance by regularly checking and cleaning the pool filter or draining and refilling the water according to manufacturer recommendations.

If you’re using public pools, inquire about the water maintenance and the use of chlorine and other chemicals to give you peace of mind.

Overcrowded pools 

When pools become overcrowded, the risk of water contamination rises due to the presence of various swimmers.

With just one swim, each person can introduce different pathogens to the water through factors like sweat, body oils, and microorganisms on the skin.

This can increase the amount of organisms the chlorine must absorb, reducing its ability to disinfect the water and kill harmful bacteria. 

Over time, this significantly increases your risk of contracting an infection. 

Using improper protective techniques

It’s essential to use proper eye protection when swimming, especially when using public pools. However, using protective gear incorrectly could also increase your risk of infection.

For example, goggles form a protective barrier around the eyes to prevent contact with contaminated water.

But if your swimming goggles don’t fit tightly enough to form a seal, water can still enter and come into contact with your eyes.

It’s crucial to test your protective gear in clean water first — like your shower or bathtub at home — to ensure they work properly.

Opening your eyes underwater

Opening your eyes underwater without wearing protective gear can cause direct exposure to toxic organisms in the pool.

This significantly raises your risk of developing an eye infection and can also lead to redness and irritation from exposure to harmful pool chemicals such as chlorine. 

It’s recommended to avoid opening your eyes in a pool, unless it’s a fresh-water source that has been decontaminated.

How Are Eye Infections Treated?

Medical treatments 

In most cases, eye infections will have to be treated using either over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications, depending on the severity.

Your eye doctor may recommend options like:

• Antibiotic eye drops or ointments: For bacterial infections — like bacterial conjunctivitis — doctors often prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointments. These help kill the bacteria causing the infection and provide symptomatic relief. Always use these medications as prescribed to ensure the best results.

• Antiviral medications: If the infection is caused by a virus — such as adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis — treatment may include antiviral eye drops to kill microorganisms. Your doctor may also prescribe systemic medications for severe infections.

• Steroid eye drops: These may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and help control symptoms in severe cases. However, they must be used under close medical supervision, as they can sometimes worsen infections.

Home remedies 

Although home remedies aren’t sufficient treatment options on their own, they can be used alongside medications to alleviate your eye infection symptoms.

Common home remedies you could use include:

• Warm compresses: Applying a warm, damp cloth to the affected eye can help soothe irritation, reduce redness, and alleviate discomfort. This is also effective for certain infections — like styes — to help encourage drainage and healing.

• Cool compresses: For allergic conjunctivitis or infections that cause significant itching and swelling, cool compresses can reduce inflammation and soothe irritated eyes. 

• Saline eye washes: Rinsing the affected area with an eye-safe saline solution can help remove irritants and discharge associated with eye infections. This can be soothing and may help reduce the risk of spreading the infection from one eye to the other.

Can Water-Borne Eye Infections Be Prevented?

Use proper protective eyewear

As we’ve mentioned before, proper protective gear is essential for preventing eye infections when swimming.

This includes wearing goggles that fit well and are tight enough to create a waterproof seal that helps protect your eyes from chemical irritants and harmful organisms.

Goggles with UV protection are great for outdoor swimming. They offer additional defense against damage to the eyes that may make them vulnerable to infection.

Maintain personal hygiene 

Practicing good personal hygiene can help you reduce the risk of transferring bacteria from your body to your eyes. You can do this by:

• Regularly washing your hands with soap and water, especially after swimming 

• Avoiding touching or rubbing your eyes while in and around the swimming pool or hot tub

• Regularly cleaning your protective gear and washing your swimsuits between uses 

• Avoid using the pool for more than a few hours at a time to reduce the risk of infection

These practices can help kill and remove bacteria from your body and swimming gear to minimize the likelihood of infections.

Follow pool hygiene practices

Similar to maintaining personal cleanliness, following pool hygiene practices can also reduce your risk of exposure to bacteria and infection.

These practices may include:

• Taking a shower before entering the pool to minimize the risk of introducing microorganisms to the water through personal care products or sweat

• Showering after swimming to remove any bacteria from the body 

• Avoiding swimming when you have active infections or wounds

• If you’re responsible for any young swimmers, ensure that they take frequent bathroom breaks 

• Avoiding swimming if you or any family member recently experienced gastrointestinal issues

When Should You See a Doctor about an Eye Infection?

With proper at-home treatment, it won’t always be necessary to seek professional medical care for your eye infection.

However, some instances may require a trip to the doctor’s. These include:

• Experiencing persistent symptoms for more than 48 hours despite treatment 

• Experiencing symptoms that increase in severity 

• Developing changes in vision, including blurriness and seeing halos 

• Having severe or sharp pain 

• Developing associated symptoms, such as fever, unusual headaches, or nausea

• Experiencing thick, colored, or substantial discharge from the eye 

• Having a compromised immune system

Developing any of these symptoms may be an indication of a worsening or more severe eye infection.

Consulting your doctor allows them to assess your eyes and recommend appropriate treatment options to help you avoid additional complications. 

Where Can You Learn More about Taking Care of Your Eye Health?

While LifeMD doesn’t provide medical care for all types of eye infections, we can help you manage any unpleasant symptoms you may be experiencing.

A team of medical professionals can assist you with medications, prescriptions, and advice to cope with painful or uncomfortable symptoms caused by eye infections such as pink eye or a stye. 

Make your appointment and take control of your health — all from the comfort of your own home.

Theresa Vergara, CNP-BC

Theresa is a Certified Nurse Practitioner with a Masters in Human Nutrition and a Doctorate in Nursing from Columbia University. Theresa has treated hospitalized patients and helped patients manage chronic and acute conditions.

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