“Can you get an eye infection from swimming?”
I am a 29 year old female. I wonder if you can get an eye infection from swimming?
5 Answers
I have several questions about your infection. Where, how diagnosed, in the eyelid or cornea, etc.? Most people that say they have an eye infection really don’t. Just some type of surface inflammation. And the few that do, it is usually in the eyelid, not the eyeball. I am a competitive swimmer, 600 miles per year, for 50 years and I have never gotten an eye infection. In a properly maintained pool, while it is possible to get an eye infection, it is statistically extremely, EXTREMely unlikely. “Dilution is the solution to pollution.”
Yes, water can carry many infectious organisms. These can lead to infection if the surface is injured or compromised in some way. Contact lenses increase the risk. Avoid water as directed after surgery.
Dr. Elizabeth Chiang
Ophthalmologist | Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Painesville, OH
Yes, it is possible to get an eye infection from swimming. Even worse, you could get an orbital infection which can put your vision at risk. Swimming in lakes and natural bodies of water have higher risk for infection. The overall risk of infection is still low. However, it is best to avoid swimming in natural bodies of water that may have high bacteria count. Run off from fertilizer used to treat lawns causes increase algae blooms, which can produce bacterial growth and/or toxins.
Generally not. Most swimming pools are chlorinated enough. But chlorine is irritating to the eyes.
Yes
