Sports Vision

Sports Vision

Performance in

sports can be

enhanced by good

vision

The role of optometrists in sports vision

• Correction of refractive errors

• Eye protection

• Visual training

Refractive errors

• Short-

sightedness,

long-sightedness,

or astigmatism

• Correctable with

glasses or

contact lenses

Normal focus

Short sightedness (Myopia)

Distance vision blurry, near vision usually ok

Short sighted focus Short sighted correction

Long sightedness (Hyperopia)Difficulty seeing clearly and comfortably up close

Long sighted focus Long sighted correction

Astigmatism

• The eye is shaped more like a football

than a basketball

• Focusing error that causes blur in one

direction

Binocular vision• Equal vision in both

eyes

• Provides stereoscopic

or 3D vision

• Good to have a

‘spare’ eye

Depth perception

• Important for good hand-eye

coordination, eg

– putting a ball in golf

– hitting a ball over a net in tennis

– kicking a ball through a goal

• Requires two eyes seeing equally

• Can be trained

Diagram of the eye

Eye trauma

• Can cause bleeding in the white of the eye

• Usually resolves after 1-2 weeks

• Important to check with an eye care professional

Retinal damage

Normal retina

Damaged retina

Conditions caused by extended exposure to UV rays

1. Pterygium

Conditions caused by extended exposure to UV rays2. Cataract 3. Age-related

macular degeneration

Eye protection• Especially in

squash, indoor cricket

• Lenses need to be plastic, not glass

• Damage can cause permanent blindness

Swimming goggles• Protect the

cornea from strong chlorine

• Can be worn with contact lenses, but only if they don’t leak

Sunglasses• Prevent absorption of

UV light into the eye• Good for outdoor

sports such as cricket and tennis

• Should comply to Australian standards Wrap around frame is good protection

Squash goggles

• Polycarbonate lenses are tough and light

• Squash ball is the same size as eye socket, and can enter at high speeds

• All junior players are required to wear eye protection

Contact lenses• Good for contact sports

such as football or rugby, where glasses frames could cause damage if knocked

• Also good in situations when glasses can fog up

Visual training

• Works with different types of eye movements

– turning eyes in and out

– smooth, following movements

– quick, jerky movements

• See an optometrist with an interest in sports vision training

Optometrists

• Provide a comprehensive visual

examination

• Detect and diagnose eye health problems

• Prescribe and supply glasses and contact

lenses when required

• Diagnose and treat eye coordination and

focussing problems

Optometrists

• Are university educated and undertake

continuing professional education

• No referral is required

• Eye tests are covered by medicare

To find an optometrist

• Optometrists Association Australia

www.optometrists.asn.au

• Yellow Pages