If you’ve ever gone swimming, surfing or diving in open water, you may have wondered what it’s like to see below the surface. Every diver has at some point wondered; Can I open my eyes underwater swimming? A common question among novice scuba divers is I wonder what I’ll be able to see beneath the waves? That is of course, not necessary if you have a good diving mask or a pair of swimming eye goggles with you! On the other hand, a lot of false information regarding opening your eyes underwater is actually out there. When diving is it possible for seawater to hurt you if you open your eyes and have to take off your mask? There is plenty to see whether you’re in a chlorine pool or the open ocean.
Is It Possible For You To Open Your Eyes Underwater Swimming?
You can open your eyes while submerged yes. There shouldn’t be anything to worry about if the ocean water you are swimming in is clean. But after swimming and opening your eyes underwater, you should give your eyes a thorough rinse. This is because oceans may harbour harmful bacteria that could infect the eyes. Besides, the sodium causes occasional minor irritation. When cleaning your eyes with saline solution, you should anticipate some stinging and slight blurriness in your vision.
The same is true with open water. You will typically become used to it with time. But when you’re on dry land always remember to rinse yourself. It is strongly advised against opening your eyes when swimming or diving if you wear contact lenses. Really for two reasons: either your lenses could be swept away or some of the nasty bacteria could become lodged behind them and infect you.
Can You Open Your Eyes In The Ocean?
As previously mentioned, saline solution can occasionally be used in daily life and salt water is safe for eyes for brief periods. On the other hand, they might sting if your eyes are sensitive. If you are in excruciating pain, stop diving or swimming immediately! Even in chlorinated pools, pain is a reliable indicator that you should stop.
If you use salt to clean your eyes it can be very beneficial. For certain eye infections, for instance, saltwater is a natural treatment option. You won’t become immune to infection, though, if you go swimming with your eyes open. This explains the presence of chlorine in certain saltwater pools. Again, if you are extremely concerned, swimming with goggles on is one of the best things you can do.
You should also, of course, minimize the amount of water in your mask when diving. There are some amazing mask designs available that fit so snugly that it’s nearly impossible for water to get inside and make wiping water from your mask a breeze. Closing your eyes is not really necessary.
What Would Happen If You Opened Your Eyes In Underwater Swimming?
In the ocean, you might experience some momentary discomfort and stinging when you open your eyes. Opening your eyes as soon as possible in the water has many advantages, even though many people never do so out of concern for discomfort or infection. For instance, if this is your first time scuba diving, you might find it helpful to open your eyes in the water without a mask.
This is because there will come times when you’ll need to remove your mask! But don’t worry too much—you can practice the skill of taking off and putting on your mask underwater swimming while keeping your eyes closed. Just keep in mind to inform your dive instructor in advance if you are uncomfortable opening your eyes while wearing a mask. You shouldn’t be concerned because the discomfort is only momentary. In fact, clarity will eventually prevail over initial haze.
If you thoroughly rinse after your diving session you should be able to avoid any infections after you get past the initial stinging. As you swim underwater more your blurry vision may even get better. Either in a chlorinated pool or open water acclimating your eyes will become easier as you grow more accustomed to the vision.
Can an Eye Infection Occur From Seawater?
As long as it is clean infections from seawater are rare. You can experience one or two eye infections in your early diving days, but that is only because you use contact lenses. For this reason, make sure you’re not swimming in contaminated or dirty water if you do want to get a good look at the water below you without wearing eye protection. To a certain extent, salt can protect humans from bacteria, but you should always be aware that the vast ocean can still contain some unsavoury surprises! The possibility of contracting an infection from sea water exists although it is extremely uncommon. Once you are out of the ocean rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Bottom Lines To Keep In Mind
Although you can see clearly in salt water, you should be aware of your own sensitivity. Consider purchasing a decent pair of goggles designed for the ocean if you wear contacts or have sensitive eyes. It’s time to stop if things become really painful. Otherwise, you could become accustomed to seeing underwater with a lot of practice. Most people can get through most of the blurry vision it just takes some time.
Underwater swimming in chlorinated pools, you can also open your eyes without risk. Though it may not be comfortable to have chlorinated water in your eyes all the time it does shield you from bacteria. Remember to consider your personal sensitivity when opening your eyes in chlorinated pools. Make sure you practice in a safe environment at all times!
If you have never opened your eyes while scuba diving, do not descend to a depth of 10 meters without first removing your mask. That will only lead to problems. Most of us can see underwater swimming it just takes a little bravery to use your eyes in the ocean or chlorine for the first time. Take it slow whether you’re opening your eyes slowly in a pool of chlorine or you wear contacts.
