Vision is much more than 20/20 eyesight. Seeing clearly is important, but it is only a portion of a well-functioning visual system. Athletic performance at a competitive level requires a host of other visual skills: eye movements, depth perception, focus flexibility, contrast sensitivity, visual reaction time, visual processing, eye-hand coordination, dynamic visual acuity; as well as static visual acuity (20/20 eyesight). Reading small fixed letters sitting in a dark room does not test most of the visual skills needed to hit a fastball or field a line drive.
Sports optometrists believe that the eyes lead the body. Very often poor athletic performance results from not the incorrect movement, but from the correct movement being performed at the incorrect time or place. It is vision that allows the athlete to determine the when and where, i.e. the time and place, an action should be performed. A sports vision optometrist focuses on testing the visual skills outlined above, in addition to the need for glasses or contact lenses and evaluating ocular health.
Sports vision training is a guided program individualized from results from a sports vision examination and the athlete’s visual requirements. Just like speed and strength training, visual skills can be improved through vision training. Vision training consists of specific vision exercises to target the different visual skills. Areas of weakness can be normalized, and adequate functioning areas can be improved upon. This will allow the athlete to more precisely determine the when and the where on the field, improving athletic performance. Sports vision training is utilized to the highest level of playing abilities; many major league baseball players have improved through a vision training program.
Education on eye health and protection is always a portion of the vision training program. If an eye injury does occur, management in office or through coordinated care will be implemented.
It is of note that head injuries, including concussions often sustained during athletic events, can cause visual deficiencies in any of the visual areas outlined above. These deficiencies can affect not only athletics but also academics and day to day living. Athletes who suffer a head injury should have an evaluation with a sports vision or neuro rehabilitation optometrist as part of their recovery program.
Good vision is one of the most important assets an athlete needs to succeed, both on and off the field. Sports vision training can help improve visual skills to help any athlete reach their fullest potential in their athletics, their academics, and in their life.
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