Can't see with salt water in my eyes?

[Tanked]

Does this problem just affect me? Whenever I get salt water in my eyes I find it really hard to see, especially if the sun is shining.

I wanted to give surfing a try on a recent holiday but as soon as I got in the sea/ocean and got splashed in the face I couldn't see so after a few attempts I decided not to give surfing a try as not being able to see/keep my eyes open wasn't going to help!

Any ideas how I can get over this problem?

Thanks!

[jaffa1949]

I have some sympathy but you will get splashed in the face a lot if you take up surfing the more you surf the more salt water, you will get wiped out salt water will at some time or other in your journey enter every orifice in your body.
You can look forward to going to important events after a good surf and having a full sinus flush of salt water when you bend down, usually at the most embarrassing moment!

Blink your eyes, don't rub them and if you are unfortunately allergic to salt water, there are surf venues that will give you a salt free diet, any of North America's Great Lakes or the Eisbach river wave in Munich Germany.
There are sealed glasses but they fog up. It is all better than a chlorinated swimming pool that the children have peed in. Try again!

[Tanked]

I don't think I could be allergic to the salt?

I guess, as the Aussies say, I need to 'toughen up princesses'.

Maybe I should practice in the bath at home.

[offshore]

Have you thought about it could be teh sun screen?

I know zinc stings my eyes.

[jaffa1949]

Have you thought about it could be teh sun screen?

I know zinc stings my eyes.

There is somezinc in what you are saying. Some of the sun screen can do that to you

[Lodato]

Most people's bodies will usually adjust to the salt water after a while. When I first started surfing, the salt water burned my eyes. Now, on a clear day, I will open my eyes up underwater and it doesn't bother me a bit. Try explaining that to the cop who pulls you over for speeding on the way home. "Why are your eyes so red, Sir?"

[JoshAggars]

I have the same problem with sunscreen so definitely check on that as it might wash down into your eyes. If its not that and it is the salt water I guess it's just one of those things you're going to have to try and tough out. Like most things in life a bit of repetition and exposure will make you become more used to it so the discomfort will slowly ebb into your unconcious.

I'm sure you'll get there. Best of luck.

[torben]

Most sunscreens contain alcohol ( propynol ) that irritates the ayes in seawater. Solution is to use natural oil sun screen. You can buy them in most Health product shops.

[Kaaimans]

I used to have this problem. Don't worry, your eyes get used to it if you surf enough. You are definitely not allergic to salt. Seriously, surf often enough and you will get used to it. I used to be terribly light-sensitive, couldn't get the smallest drop of water in my eyes, but you get used to it. Plus, after you've caught a wave or two, you wouldn't give a damn. I know I didn't even give a damn that my feet where getting cut to shreds. (The only surf breaks with decent waves in my town is a point break, and several reef breaks. All filled with sea urchins and sharp rocks.) I even surfed in the winter, in 14C water without a wetsuit my first year, because I didn't have a suit. Once you have gotten a few good waves on the green part of the wave, and felt that glide under your feet, you wouldn't care if it is snowing, grey, and scary. If the waves are good, you're going to be surfing.

[Eyes]

Hi folks,

Yes, sun screen oil/cream is one factor. You can try and put some artificial tears before getting into the water. There are a special one with sun blocker (artificial tear+sunblocker).

Cheers