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ABSTRACT
The adverse effect of chlorine on the human eye has recently become more and more glaring to the public. This has led to questions being asked about adverse effect of chlorinated water on eyes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of chlorinated water (swimming pool water) on the tear quantity and tear quality of swimmers. Thirty–six healthy volunteers who met the inclusion criteria were randomly selected into four groups to participate in this study. The study volunteers were at the University of Benin swimming pool for the experiment. First, baseline readings of tear quantity and tear quality was measured and recorded using Schirmer’s Test 1 and 2; and Tear Break up Time Test which also served as control. The first group swam in the chlorinated pool for thirty minutes, the second group swam in the chlorinated pool for sixty minutes, the third group swam for ninety minutes and the fourth group swam for one hundred and twenty minutes. Each subject had their tear quantity and tear quality measured immediately after swimming and at thirty minutes interval until values returns to baseline. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Software for Social Sciences (SPSS version 22.0; SPSS, Inc; Chicago, IL). Also, the swimming pool water was analyzed to check for pH level and the percentage of the chlorine present. This will aid or guide practitioners in answering the questions or management of patients who may be swimmers, as well as giving them suitable advice.
