Cannot keep eyes open underwater

Question
Hi,

I have recently started diving and my problem is I cannot stand opening my eyes under water.

I tried keeping my eyes closed during the entry, but it only intensifies my confusion and I get scared. Also, once I lift my head over the water to breathe, water drops on my eyelids obscure my vision. So the two problems increases my fear.

I tried doing some swimming laps with eyes open, but my eyes sting and pain. And I cannot see or keep my eyes open underwater. Though with goggles, I am fine and ok.

Can you suggest what I do for the problem?

Answer
It sounds like you are not comfortable with the act of diving headfirst.You do not need to try and shut your eyes before entry because it will happen automatically. If you say it creates confusion and you get scared then you should work on improving your swimming skills.The water droplets on your eyelids happen to all people who swim and dive. If this also increases your fear I think it would help you to take some swim lessons so you are not so scared.

The sting and pain you are experiencing is probably from a chemical imbalance in the pool you are using. Do you know if other people are complaining of the same problem? You should talk to the pool manager and ask if they are keeping the pools chemicals balanced so it is the same ph level as the human eye.

You may also want to ask this same question to a swimming expert as your problem seems to be related more to that sport than diving.