Can You Open Your Eyes In Saltwater?

head in water

When you go scuba diving, swimming, or snorkeling in the sea you start to wonder should you open your eyes in the saltwater. We all want to enjoy the beach and the sea and just go off jump into the sea but is it okay to open your eyes in saltwater?

Yes, you can open your eyes in saltwater but seawater contains a lot amount of salt and the salt concentration levels can vary which can increase the irritation. When you first open your eyes in saltwater it will sting a little at first but your eyes should adjust. It is always better to avoid opening your eyes in seawater because there is pollution and bacteria. 

In today’s post, we will go through in more detail can you open your eyes in saltwater, so let’s get started!

Read more on common questions asked by divers

Can You Open Your Eyes In Salt Water?

Yes, you can open your eyes in saltwater. You should note seawater contains different levels of salt. The higher the level of salt, the greater the irritation of your eyes. It is always safer to avoid direct content seawater on the eyes. When you first open your eyes in saltwater it will sting at first but your eyes should adjust.

The problem with opening your eyes underwater without goggles is not the salt but the pollution and bacteria in the water which can lead to bacterial and viral infections. That is why it is not recommended to open your eyes underwater for too long and get a good pair of goggles.

fun scuba diver

Does Salt Water Burn Eyes?

Our eyes are sensitive so when we open our eyes at first in seawater there is a burning feeling until your eyes adjust. This depends on the salt concentration levels in the water.

Can Your Eyes Get Red From Salt Water?​

If your eyes become red after been swimming in salt water, the salt factor seems like the reason but it is more likely pollution, sewage, and bacteria mixed with the ocean water that can easily irritate your eyes.

How Can I Keep My Eyes Safe In The Ocean?

To keep your eyes safe when swimming in seawater you should get a good pair of goggles. But your eyes should be fine if you spend a small amount of time in the water.

Can You Open Your Eyes in Chlorine Water

Chlorine is a disinfectant that is used to stop bacteria and algae growing in swimming pools along with pee. It is safe in a pool, though your eyes will feel dry and irritated from the chlorine.

You can wash your eyes out with tap water or eyedrops after a swim to fix that.

Prolonged exposure to chlorine water is not great and some people can have a reaction to it, it is generally not harmful to your eyes.

Snorkelling Mask

Using Goggles Tips

There are is a trick that will help to prevent your goggles from fogging up and affecting what you can see. These steps are as follows.

  • Before you go jump into the sea.
  • Spit in your goggles on each lens.
  • Shake the goggles around (without using your finger) ensuring that your spit rubs over the lens.
  • Rinse the mask with water.
  • Place the mask on your face and now you are all set.

After using your goggles you need to clean your goggles. There are a couple of steps to follow. These are as follows.

  • Right after you get out of the water, rinse your mask with some freshwater.
  • Then use some warm water to rinse your mask, which will help to dissolve salt crystals that may be stuck to your mask.
  • Again, rinse your goggles thoroughly with fresh or filtered water, whichever you have handy
  • Then, dry the goggles with a dry towel, cloth, or clean rag.

Wrapping Up

Finally, you can open your eyes in saltwater but seawater contains a lot amount of salt and the salt concentration levels can vary which can increase the irritation. When you first open your eyes in saltwater it will sting a little at first but your eyes will adjust. It is always better to avoid opening your eyes in seawater because there is pollution and bacteria.

And that’s it for now! I’d love to know if this guide can you open your eyes in saltwater has helped you. Let me know if you have any questions and let me know if there is more to add.

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open your eyes in saltwater

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