1. Sports Vision

2. Performance in sports can be enhanced by good vision

3. The role of optometrists in sports vision Correction of refractive errors Eye protection Visual training

4. Refractive errors Short-sightedness, long-sightedness, or astigmatism Correctable with glasses or contact lenses

5. Normal focus

6. Short sightedness (Myopia) Distance vision blurry, near vision usually ok Short sighted focus Short sighted correction

7. Long sightedness (Hyperopia) Difficulty seeing clearly and comfortably up close Long sighted focus Long sighted correction

8. Astigmatism The eye is shaped more like a football than a basketball Focusing error that causes blur in one direction

9. Binocular vision Equal vision in both eyes Provides stereoscopic or 3D vision Good to have a ‘spare’ eye

10. 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

11. Diagram of the eye

12. 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

13. Retinal damage Normal retinaDamaged retina

14. Conditions caused by extended exposure to UV rays 1. Pterygium

15. Conditions caused by extended exposure to UV rays 2. Cataract 3. Age-related macular degeneration

16. Eye protection Especially in squash, indoor cricket Lenses need to be plastic, not glass Damage can cause permanent blindness

17. Swimming goggles Protect the cornea from strong chlorine Can be worn with contact lenses, but only if they don’t leak

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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

23. Optometrists Are university educated and undertake continuing professional education No referral is required Eye tests are covered by medicare

24. To find an optometrist Optometrists Association Australia www.optometrists.asn.au Yellow Pages