Sports Performance Vision Testing: What to Expect

Sports vision testing, or visual performance evaluation, goes beyond a routine eye exam. It involves a more comprehensive approach. It is best to seek a visual performance evaluation from a specialist for optimal results. The eye doctor can conduct several tests to identify your optical strengths and weaknesses and address any issues.
 

Are you an athlete? Consider training that focuses on enhancing your visual skills and abilities. Collaboration between various specialists can help improve athletic performance through better visual function. These include:
 

  • Optometrists specializing in sports vision

  • Ophthalmologists

  • Athletic trainers

  • Coaches and other professionals

 

What You Can Expect

 

One of the most common tests is the Snellen Eye Chart. It tests how well an athlete can read letters on a chart from a distance. Contrast sensitivity tests assess an athlete’s ability to see high-contrast objects against a similar background, especially in low-light conditions. Eye tracking devices and ocular alignment tests determine how well the eyes follow moving objects and work together.
 

When professional athletes seek eye exams, the tests go beyond standard eye charts. The tests seek to assess how well the eyes can function. They can help athletes improve their performance.

 

Visual Acuity

 

Visual acuity is the capacity to see clearly and sharply. Athletes must have excellent visual acuity to excel in their respective sports. The Snellen eye chart helps determine visual acuity during a sports vision exam. The eye doctor can prescribe appropriate corrective eyewear or LASIK eye surgery.

 

Visual Processing Speed and Hand-Eye Coordination

 

Athletic performance depends on a player’s ability to respond quickly to visual cues. Sports vision tests test visual processing speed and hand-eye coordination. The eye doctor may prescribe specific exercises to improve reaction times and coordination.

 

Contrast Sensitivity

 

This visual skill allows you to identify and track objects against different backgrounds. It is an essential skill for athletes playing in diverse lighting conditions. Contrast sensitivity tests can help identify athletes with poor contrast sensitivity. Eyeglasses or contact lenses with specific lens tints or custom optics can help address this problem.

 

Eye Tracking

 

Eye tracking is critical for athletes. Sports vision tests check how well the eyes follow moving objects. The tests assess and improve an athlete’s ability to follow a moving object, like a soccer ball, in real-time.

 

Ocular Alignment

 

Sports vision tests assess how well eyes work together and respond to visual stimuli. They check eye alignment and identify and correct any issues with alignment.

 

Eye Dominance

 

Most people have a dominant eye. Athletes who know their dominant eye have an advantage in various sports. These include golf, archery, and target shooting. The Miles Test is a simple at-home test that can determine eye dominance.

 

Depth Perception

 

Depth perception helps athletes focus on objects. It also helps them estimate the distance from the object. Sports vision tests can identify athletes with poor depth perception. This test can help vision specialists recommend exercises to fix the issue. Athletes like skiers must judge the distance to objects to navigate turns and avoid obstacles.

 

Conclusion

 

Sports vision tests help athletes identify and improve various visual skills. That can lead to better performance in their respective sports. Different tests check different visual skills, and athletes receive advice on specific exercises or eyewear to improve their visual abilities.
 

For more eye care tips, visit Performance Vision Center at our Winter Park, Florida office. Call (407) 890-0201 to schedule an appointment today.

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