| Sports Vision |
| Vision and visual skills play a critical role in athletic
performance. Just as you train to maximize your aerobic capacity, muscle
quickness and muscle strength, your vision skills can be trained to higher
levels of performance.
Studies show that the vision skills of high level athletes are generally better than those who do not perform at these levels. Although many athletes can read 20/20 on an eye chart other critical vision skills include: Dynamic Visual Acuity- the ability to see objects clearly while in motion. Tracking- the ability to "keep your eye on the ball", regardless of how fast it is moving. Focusing Flexibility- the ability to quickly shift focus from one distance to another. Peripheral Vision- the ability to be aware of what is going on around you while you are concentrating on an object in front of you. Visualization- the ability to "picture in your mind" how a properly executed movement will look and feel. For those athletes
who have difficulties with these vision skills, sports vision training can
help "level the playing field". For those with good vision skills, sports
vision training enhancement can provide that "extra edge" needed to separate
you from your peers. |
| Symptoms of Vision Skill Difficulties |
If you, a family member or friend experience any of the
following it could be a sign that you have a vision problem that could be
affecting your sports performance:
Not performing to potential. Headaches or fatigue Performance decreases in high pressure situations Inconsistent performance. Little or no improvement with practice. Poor eye-hand coordination. Inability to wear habitual vision correction for sports. |
| Sports Vision Evaluation |
| A sports vision evaluation begins with a determination of
the refractive error (nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism) which
may be reducing visual acuity. It then proceeds to the evaluation of focusing,
tracking, binocular and other dynamic visual skills. Finally, eye health
is completely evaluated, both externally and internally. Once this information
is acquired, the patient is consulted as to the potential benefit of any
sports vision training that is indicated.
If you feel that you or someone you know would benefit from improved vision skills please call our downtown or Manlius office to set up an evaluation. |
| Links to Sports Vision Information: |
American Optometric Association Sports Vision Page |
