Short-Sighted Athletes Can Succeed
With 32% of the world’s population affected by myopia, it’s no surprise that short-sighted individuals can be found in every field, including sports. Yet, the stereotype persists that clear vision is a prerequisite for athletic success, leaving many myopic individuals hesitant to pursue sports.
“Being short-sighted doesn’t mean giving up on sports,” says Jacqueline Gattegno, principal senior optometrist at Eyes InDesign Smart Vision Optometry Bondi. “In fact, many top athletes have myopia, and with the right approach to vision correction, they can excel at the highest levels.”
Athletes Thriving with Myopia
Some of the world’s most renowned athletes demonstrate that myopia is no barrier to sporting success.
“AFL star Danyle Pearce is a great example,” says Gattegno. “His struggles with ball handling were due to undiagnosed vision issues. Once he started wearing contact lenses, his performance skyrocketed.”
Swimming champion and Olympic gold medallist Mark Horton relies on prescription swimming goggles to see clearly in the water, while cricketer Chris Rodgers, footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, and New Zealand cricketer Daniel Vettori all use vision correction to support their games.
Gary Rodney, a Master of Optometry, Behavioural Optometrist, and Fellow of the International Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (FIAOMC) and founder of Smart Vision Optometry with over 30 years of experience, highlights the importance of customised solutions. “Each sport has unique visual demands, and by tailoring vision correction methods, athletes can optimise their performance.”
The Challenges of Glasses in Sports
While glasses are effective for vision correction in everyday life, they aren’t always practical for sports.
“Wearing glasses can limit peripheral vision, a critical skill in many sports,” explains Gattegno. “In contact sports, there’s also the risk of injury from broken frames or lenses.”
Gary Rodney adds, “This is why many athletes opt for contact lenses or other alternatives like orthokeratology (Ortho-K). Ortho-K lenses reshape the cornea overnight, allowing for clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses.”
For sports like running or cycling, prescription sports eyewear with snug-fitting frames offers an excellent solution. These can include UV protection, which Gattegno notes is essential for outdoor athletes.
Exploring Non-Surgical Vision Solutions
Surgical interventions like LASIK are popular among athletes such as golfer Tiger Woods, but surgery isn’t the only option. Non-surgical solutions, such as Ortho-K lenses or sports-specific contact lenses, provide safe and effective alternatives for most athletes.
“Ortho-K lenses are a game-changer for many of our patients,” says Rodney. “They not only offer freedom from glasses and contact lenses during the day but also help manage myopia progression.”
“Sadly, the scarring which occurs from LASIK eye surgery can limit the effectiveness of the gentle and holistic Ortho-k treatment,” says Gattegno.
Sports Vision Training to Gain the Competitive Edge
Beyond corrective lenses, sports vision training can enhance an athlete’s visual skills, offering a competitive advantage even over those with perfect eyesight.
“Sports vision training improves abilities like hand-eye coordination, depth perception, and reaction time,” explains Gattegno. “These are crucial for performance in fast-paced sports, and they can often be the difference between good and great players.”
Rodney adds, “A comprehensive sports vision assessment helps identify an athlete’s unique visual challenges, allowing us to design targeted strategies to overcome them.”
Seeing the Possibilities where Myopia Is No Barrier
The notion that myopia limits athletic potential is a myth that continues to hold many back. With the wide range of vision correction and training options available today, short-sighted individuals can not only participate in sports but also excel.
“Whether you’re a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, clear vision and well-trained visual skills are within reach,” says Gattegno. “There’s no reason for myopia to hold anyone back from enjoying the sports they love.”
Contact Smart Vision Optometry for Sports Vision Solutions
Smart Vision Optometry provides specialised care for athletes with myopia, offering solutions tailored to their specific needs. Whether you need contact lenses, Ortho-K lenses, or sports vision training, we’re here to help you achieve your best.
For more information on vision correction and sports vision training, visit Smart Vision Optometry’s website. For detailed insights into myopia management, visit Myopia Prevention, and for more on orthokeratology, visit Orthokeratology in Sydney.
Book an online appointment for a sports vision assessment, or call the Bondi clinic on (02) 9365 5047 or the Mosman clinic on (02) 9969 1600.Take the first step towards improving your vision and enhancing your athletic performance. Contact Smart Vision Optometry today!
