Outdoor games are a fantastic way to stay active and maintain physical fitness.But what if your eyes burn, itch or turn red after playing outside? While it’s convenient to point the finger at dust and debris, there might be deeper causes at play. Knowing why you get red eyes after playing outside can enable you to take measures to avoid discomfort and ensure that your eyes remain healthy.
Possible Causes of Red Eyes After Playing Outside
- Allergies: Pollen, grass and airborne allergens are just a few things that can upset your eyes out in the elements. These allergens can cause a reaction that results in red, watery eyes.
- Sun Exposure :Sun burn to the eyes can occur when exposed to the sun for too long without any protection.
- Chlorinated Water: Most swimming pools are chlorinated and chlorine can cause irritation and redness, especially if you are not wearing goggles
- Contact Lens Issues: Contact lenses used while playing sports may cause dryness, discomfort and redness of the eyes, particularly if the lenses become exposed to sweat or dirt.
How to Prevent Red Eyes After Playing Outside
- Wear Protective Eye wear: Purchase a pair of UV-rated sunglasses or even sports goggles to protect yourself from all harmful rays and debris that may come your way.
- Stay Hydrated :Lack of hydration can worsen dry eyes. There are a few challenges as well. - Hydrate yourself before and after you play.
- Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes : Rubbing can transfer dirt and allergens, which can make them look even redder.
- Use Eye Drops : Lubricating over-the-counter drops can help calm and rehydrate your eyes.
- Follow Eye Care Routine: If you wear contacts make sure they are clean and fit well to avoid further discomfort.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If your eyes continue to become red, watery, or itchy despite using over-the-counter prevention tactics, it’s time to see a specialist. While children who spend the whole day swimming or playing in the sand may have red eyes at the end of the day, red eyes that last after a day playing outside could be telling us something — like conjunctivitis, an eye infection, a corneal abrasion.
At The Eye Foundation, our trained eye specialists are well equipped to thoroughly check your eyes and tailor treatment to alleviate eye irritation. Don’t ignore red eyes that linger after playing outside — better to have them checked out early than to risk complications.
It’s good to play outside, but not if it hurts your eyes. If you get red eyes every time you play outside, you shouldn’t be taking those signs lightly. Take preventive measures, drink enough and protect your eyes with special glasses. If you have prolonged redness, or it is with pain, meet our experts at The Eye Foundation and get relieved from all your concentration related issues.
Book an appointment today at The Eye Foundation and give your eyes the care they deserve!
