BETTER VISUAL SKILLS = BETTER ATHLETES

What do all athletes have in common? They all rely on their visual systems for their performance. Sport is all about the visual. The eye sees, the brain interprets and leads, and the body follows. The more accurately the visual system can take in and process visual information, the more accurately it can direct appropriate motor movement and the better the sports performance will be. Sports vision is more than 20/20 vision, more than being able to see clearly at various distances. It requires a specific set of visual skills which are involved in the performance of sport, different skills being required for different sports.

		The sports vision optometrist essentially has two functions. These are to identify the required visual skills and formulate a training programme to develop, improve or enhance these visual skills, and to recommend appropriate protective eyewear for use while playing the sport.

For peak performance sportsmen or sportswomen need their responses to be dynamic, precise and fully aligned every time all the time. The visual skills needed for peak performance in sport include:

• Dynamic visual acuity - the ability to see moving objects clearly,
   
• Eye tracking - the ability to follow objects with the eyes without excessive head movement, "to keep the eye on the ball",
   
• Accommodation - the ability to change focus quickly and accurately from one object or distance to another,
   
• Peripheral Vision - the ability to see out of the corner of the eye, to be aware of people or actions on the sports field while concentrating on a specific target or action,
   
• Eye teaming - the ability to keep the eyes working together even under high speed or visually demanding situations,
   
• Depth perception - the ability to quickly and accurately judge the distance and speed of objects or other players on the field,
   
• Eye-hand or eye-body coordination - the ability to use the eyes to effectively direct the movements of the hands or body,
   
• Visual-motor reaction time - the speed with which the brain interprets and reacts to actions perceived by the visual system,
   
• Visualisation - the ability to see oneself performing well in the "mind's eye" while the eyes are seeing and concentrating on the action at hand.

When the visual system is not functioning effectively for sport, the ball is not always seen clearly, the distance and/or speed of the ball or other participants is not estimated accurately, the appropriate action is misjudged, performance is inconsistent, and fatigue or loss of concentration may set in. These problems can be dealt with and visual skills improved and enhanced through training.

Sports vision testing goes beyond the eye health and acuity examination. It includes a variety of tests to assess ocular alignment, contrast sensitivity, eye dominance, visual processing speed, tracking, balance, depth perception and other sport-related skills.

		Sports vision training is not about correcting vision; glasses or contact lenses do that. Rather, it is about training people to process visual input and respond to what they see better and faster. Using a personalised and customised series of techniques and exercises, the sports vision optometrist trains the brain to respond more accurately and efficiently, providing benefit in every sport. The visual skills targeted may include eye tracking and movement precision, enhanced peripheral awareness, localisation of the target, visual discrimination, faster and more accurate hand-eye coordination, vision-balance integration, visual reaction time, dynamic visual acuity, depth perception and distance estimation, focusing, and contrast sensitivity.

		Specific eyewear for a particular sport may be helpful in providing clearer vision and protection against injury without compromising comfort or visual ability. Lenses in sports eyewear are usually made of poly carbonate which is resistant to impact and has built-in UV protection. Most frames in sports eyewear can accommodate both prescription and non-prescription lenses. Your optometrist will recommend the most suitable eyewear for your particular needs.

Competition among professional athletes is fierce as they strive to make their mark in their chosen sport. Optimal vision through vision training can give them an added advantage and competitive edge. Most people play sport for recreation, and they, too, can enhance their performance and enjoyment by honing their visual skills.