Swimming with your eyes open can help you navigate better in the pool, but many people choose to swim with their eyes closed for a number of reasons. The most salient reason is the chlorine present in most pools. Chlorine can cause burning, stinging and irritation to the eyes if the chlorine and pH levels are not balanced appropriately. When pH levels are between 7.2 to 7.8, these conditions are ideal for the eyes and disinfection. Acclimating to the conditions of the water and teaching yourself to swim with your eyes open is a gradual process.
Step 1
Go to the shallow end of the pool. Keep your eyes closed and submerge your entire body. Open your eyes for approximately 15 to 30 seconds. Close your eyes and return to the surface. Open your eyes and take note of any eye irritation. Discontinue if severe irritation is present. Cloudy vision is typical after opening eyes underwater.
Step 2
Remain in the shallow end of pool. Submerge your body with your eyes open. Move around underwater slowly for 20 to 30 seconds. Return to the surface with your eyes open. Notice vision differences below and above water. Slightly blurred vision is typical underwater.
Step 3
Hold onto the side of the pool. Completely submerge your body with your eyes open. Swim underwater for 12 to 15 feet with your eyes open. Return to the surface. Repeat four times.
Step 4
Go to the deep end of the pool with the intent to travel to the shallow end. Submerge your body with your eyes open. Swim the length of pool with your eyes open. Breathe as needed. Repeat as desired.
Tips and Warnings
- Test pH levels with a pH testing kit. Levels should be between 7.2 to 7.8 for optimal eye comfort. Flush your eyes after swimming with a saline solution to prevent burning and irritation.
- Discontinue swimming if severe discomfort or irritation is present. Consult your physician if irritation persists.
Things You'll Need
- Stopwatch
- Saline flush
- pH testing kit
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