Fact Checked
Chlorine is a gas with strong odor used in purifying and disinfecting water. Generally, there are many ways where one can end up exposed to chlorine and the most common is through chlorine-treated drinking water, swimming pools or the soil. Exposure to chlorine causes difficulty breathing, rashes or burning when it comes in direct contact with the eyes.
Forms and strengths of chlorine
- Tri-Chlor is a stabilized tablet form of chlorine. It has low pH of 3 and effective in controlling algae.
- Di-Chlor or sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione has a neutral pH of 7 which is the most expensive form in treating swimming pools.
- Cal-hypo or Cal-hypo is an unstabilized form of chlorine and has a pH value of 12 and effective in killing algae rapidly.
The eyes that become irritated after swimming in a pool can be due to chloramines which are chemical compounds which accumulates in the pool which are not properly treated with chemicals.
Treatment
- After swimming, the residue from the water can still linger in the eyes. Rinse using cool water to cleanse away traces of chloramines and other constituents that cause the irritation. Hold the face on the sink and gradually pour water on the eye and then the other eye and then dry the face using a soft towel. Cool water can be used to lessen the inflammation.
- If the eyes feel dry and itchy after swimming, apply saline solution for relief. Saline solution works similar to synthetic tears which moisturizes and relaxes the eyes.
- Place a few drops of milk on the affected eyes to relieve the sore eyes. Milk has neutralizing effect on the chemicals found in the pool and lessens pain. If experiencing irritation due to milk, rinse the eyes using water to remove it.
- Apply cool compress on the affected eyes to lessen swelling and irritations. Soak a small face towel in cool water and drape it over a closed eyelid for at least a few minutes to lessen the itchiness. If the facecloth becomes warm, soak it again in cool water and repeat the process.
- Tea has anti-inflammatory properties that lessen the irritation and swelling. Soak 2 tea bags in cool water, close the eyes and place each tea bag on every eye. Keep the tea bags on the eyes until it becomes warm. If there is still soreness, repeat the procedure until the eyes get better.
- Mix ¼ teaspoon of baking soda with ½ cup water until dissolved. Soak a cotton ball in the solution and squeeze it over the eyes until totally wet. Blink a few times to coat the eyes. If the irritation still persists, rinse the eyes using fresh water.
- Place cool slices of fresh cucumber on the closed eyes. The cucumber relieves the irritation and moisturizes the irritated skin.
FACT CHECK
https://acaai.org/allergies/types/allergy-myths/chlorine-allergy
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/swimming-contacts-your-eyes
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Eyes-Stop-Hurting-after-Swimming