Red, stinging eyes after swimming: causes and relief

Health advice ·Published 17 October 2026 ·Reviewed 20 October 2026

Written by the Priceline Pharmacy Pacific Fair team. Reviewed by Jason Markey, BPharmSci, MPharm, Owner and Pharmacist, Ahpra registration PHA0001976405.

General health information from a registered pharmacist. It doesn’t replace advice from your own pharmacist or doctor. How we write and check our articles.

Red, stinging eyes after a swim are usually caused by irritation, not infection. In pools, the culprit is mostly chloramines, irritating chemicals that form when chlorine mixes with sweat, dirt and urine. At the beach, sand, sunscreen and strong sun reflecting off the water can all make your eyes sore. Irritation usually settles within a day if you rinse your eyes and rest them. But if you wear contact lenses, or you have eye pain, blurred vision or sensitivity to light, get your eyes checked the same day.

Why do my eyes go red after swimming?

Pool chemicals

Chlorine itself isn’t usually the problem. The CDC explains that chlorine combines with sweat, dirt and urine to form chloramines, which can turn into a gas and irritate your eyes and lungs. That strong “chlorine” smell at some pools is actually chloramines. You can do your bit by showering before you swim, and by never weeing in the pool.

Sand, sunscreen and sun

Sand and sunscreen running into your eyes can sting. Strong sun matters too: UV reflected off sand and water can burn the surface of your eyes, a painful condition called photokeratitis. Optometry Australia lists its symptoms as pain, redness, blurriness, tearing, swelling and sensitivity to light. Sunglasses with good UV protection and a hat help.

Conjunctivitis

Sometimes red eyes after swimming are conjunctivitis, which can be caused by a virus, bacteria, an allergy or an irritant. healthdirect notes you can catch it from swimming pools. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are highly contagious, while allergic conjunctivitis isn’t.

How can I soothe sore eyes after swimming?

• Rinse them. Gently flush your eyes with clean water or sterile saline, which you can buy from a pharmacy.
• Use lubricating eye drops. Artificial tears can ease dryness and irritation, and you can buy them without a prescription.
• Cool them down. A clean, cold, damp washcloth over closed eyes can soothe itching and stinging.
• Don’t rub. Rubbing makes itchy, irritated eyes worse.
• Rest them. Minor irritation from things like shampoo or dust often gets better within 24 hours.

Ask our pharmacists which eye drops suit you, especially if you wear contact lenses, and always read the label and follow the directions for use.

Sand or grit in your eye?

Sand in the eye is common on a windy beach day. HealthyWA’s first aid advice is:

• Don’t rub. Rubbing can make it worse.
• Look for it. Look up and gently pull your lower eyelid down. If you can see the grain, lift it off with the corner of a clean, damp cloth.
• Rinse it out. If you can’t see it, or it won’t come away, wash the eye with sterile saline or clean water.
• Leave anything stuck in the eye alone. Don’t try to remove something that’s embedded. Cover the eye and get medical help.

If your eye still feels gritty after rinsing, or it’s painful or your vision is blurry, see a doctor or optometrist.

Can I swim in contact lenses?

No. WA Health advises always taking your contact lenses out before swimming, showering or using a spa. Water, including seawater, tap water and chlorinated pools and spas, can carry a tiny organism called Acanthamoeba that survives chlorine. In contact lens wearers it can cause a serious eye infection that can lead to permanent vision loss, with treatment that can take 6 to 12 months. WA Health warns the risk applies even if you wear goggles.

• Take your lenses out before swimming, surfing or showering.
• If you want to see clearly in the water, ask your optometrist about prescription goggles.
• If water gets on your lenses, take them out as soon as you can. Throw them away, or clean and disinfect them overnight before wearing them again.
• If your eyes become sore or red, take your lenses out, leave them out, and see your optometrist or doctor the same day. Tell them you wear contact lenses.

How can I protect my eyes in the water?

• Wear well-fitting goggles in the pool.
• Shower before you swim.
• Wear sunglasses and a hat on the beach, and keep sunscreen away from your eyes.
• Rinse your eyes with clean water after swimming if they feel gritty.

When to see a pharmacist, doctor or optometrist

Talk to our pharmacists about mild irritation, and which eye drops or saline suit you.

See a doctor or optometrist straight away if you have:

• eye pain;
• blurred vision or any loss of vision;
• eyes that hurt in bright light;
• lots of discharge or pus;
• a red or painful eye and you wear contact lenses;
• red eyes that haven’t started to improve after 1 to 2 days.

Go to an emergency department if you have severe eye pain, sudden vision loss, flashing lights, or something stuck in your eye. If a chemical, such as concentrated pool chlorine or other pool chemicals, splashes into your eye, call 000 for an ambulance and flush the eye with cool water for 20 minutes while you wait. Don’t put any drops, ointment or medicines in it.

The GPs at Help Medical, an independent general practice located inside our store, can check red eyes and conjunctivitis.

Frequently asked questions

Why do my eyes burn after swimming in a pool?

Usually chloramines, which form when pool chlorine mixes with sweat, dirt and urine. They irritate the eyes. Goggles, rinsing your eyes and lubricating drops can help.

How long does red eye from swimming last?

Simple irritation usually settles within a day. If your eyes are still red or sore after 1 to 2 days, or you have pain, blurred vision or discharge, see a doctor or optometrist.

Is it conjunctivitis or just irritation?

Irritation usually settles quickly once you’re out of the water. Conjunctivitis tends to last longer and may come with sticky discharge, crusty eyelids or itching. If you’re not sure, ask our pharmacists, or see a doctor.

Can I go swimming with conjunctivitis?

Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis spread easily, so stay out of the pool until it has cleared, and don’t share towels. If you wear disposable contact lenses and have an eye infection, throw them out and wear glasses for at least a week after your symptoms have gone.

Can my child use eye drops after swimming?

Some eye drops aren’t suitable for young children. Ask our pharmacists, and see a doctor if your child has eye pain, discharge or red eyes that don’t settle.

Sore eyes after a swim? Pop in to Pacific Fair and ask our pharmacists. No appointment needed.

This article is general information only and isn’t a substitute for personal advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist or you’re worried, talk to your pharmacist or GP. In an emergency, call 000.