Can swimming cause red eye disease?

Generally speaking, red eye refers to conjunctivitis. Whether swimming can cause conjunctivitis depends on specific circumstances. If swimming in a facility with good hygiene practices and appropriate personal protective measures are taken, it typically does not lead to conjunctivitis. However, if the hygiene conditions are poor or protective measures are inadequate, conjunctivitis may occur. If you experience any discomfort, seek medical attention promptly and follow professional medical guidance for symptomatic treatment. A detailed analysis is as follows:

If the swimming environment maintains good hygiene and protective equipment such as swim goggles is worn, conjunctivitis typically will not occur. This is because swimming itself does not directly cause conjunctivitis in a well-maintained and properly disinfected pool. Additionally, reputable swimming facilities regularly test and disinfect the water to ensure bacterial and viral levels remain within safe limits.

However, if the swimming environment has poor hygiene, the water may contain large amounts of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. When these microorganisms enter the eyes, they may cause conjunctivitis. Furthermore, without using protective eyewear, the eyes are directly exposed to the water, increasing the risk of microbial infection. In particular, poor water quality significantly raises the likelihood of infection.

To prevent conjunctivitis, it is recommended to choose swimming facilities with clean water and proper management, and to wear goggles while swimming to avoid direct contact between the eyes and pool water. Additionally, maintain good personal hygiene and avoid rubbing your eyes with your hands.