Why do my eyes not burn when I open them under the Gulf of Mexico's salt water?

Question

In a pool, my eyes burn regardless if they are open or closed; but in the Gulf, they never burn when opened or closed.

Answer 1

I think may be its because you deliberately tried to do this in the Gulf while you might have not tried at the pool.

Also you might have an allergy

Answer 2

Your eyes naturally have salt in the tears that keep them moist.  So you may not experience the same discomfort as in a pool where the water contains chlorine (or at least should) which will irritate your eyes because chlorine is not contained in your tears.

Answer 3

I guess it could be because your eyes naturally produce saline-- also known as salt water.  If the salt content is similar, then it wouldn't burn.

Chlorine, however, does burn your eyes, and over time, can probably cause permanent damage.  I'm not a doctor, so I can't say for sure, but it stands to reason.