Sports vision involves testing to determine how well athletes perform. Additionally, sports vision testing evaluates eyes closer than a typical eye exam. These tests are vital to athletic training and enhance visual function. The optometrists at Eyecare Professionals in Mandan, Hazen, and Washburn, ND, are dedicated to helping athletes improve their sports vision through testing and exercises.
What Is Sports Vision Testing?
Sports vision testing is a series of tests to assess a person's visual athletic performance and capabilities. For example, one test is the Snellen Eye Chart, where patients are asked to read letters on a chart placed 20 feet away and designed to test visual acuity.
An additional test the optometrist may do for athletes is a refractive error test. This test checks for errors in seeing size and shape anomalies that may affect the eye's ability to focus light onto the retina. Refractive error tests can drastically impact vision and ultimate performance capabilities while playing a sport.
Another test may include a contrast sensitivity test to check how well athletes can see contracts in colors in various lighting conditions. Other tests conducted during an eye exam for sports vision may include ocular alignment tests and tests for eye-hand coordination skills.
At-Home Exercises for Sports Vision Training
Athletes can do more for their performance than work out in the gym and perfect their athletic abilities. Several at-home exercises can help with sports vision training. Check with an optometrist to learn more about sports vision exercises.
20-20-20 Rule
An athlete's vision must be as agile as possible, and the 20-20-20 Rule is a great at-home exercise. First, find a comfortable place and switch your focus between objects at different distances away. For example, start looking at something 20 inches away, then something further away, and then look out the window.
Visual Memory Games
Many sports require knowing where other players are on the field or courts. As you did as a child, playing memory games can help improve your quick thinking and memory. In addition, practicing this skill can help improve your speed when passing or playing the game with other players.
Call to Schedule an Appointment with Our Optometrist
The optometrists at Eyecare Professionals understand athletes need to be on top of their health and performance on the field. So call today at Washburn (701) 462-8636, Hazen (701) 748-6533, or Mandan (701) 663-2020 to schedule a sports vision eye exam with one of our optometrists. We have offices in Mandan, Hazen, and Washburn, ND.
