We all know that eye exams are important and should be taken in order to keep our eyes healthy and protect ourselves against developing eye health issues. But for the athlete, should more steps be taken?

In the world of sports vision testing, there are certain tests to help athletes understand how their eyes are performing beyond the ability to see letters and pass a standard eye exam.

These measure visual performance in addition to the eye’s reactions and abilities by testing hand-eye coordination, depth perception as well as eye tracking.

Here are four types of sports vision tests that you may need to take:

   1. Contrast Sensitivity

According to All About Vision, contrast sensitivity tests are optimal for the athlete who wants to improve their ability to see objects more clearly against its background, especially in low light. Contrast sensitivity tests can “involve having you identify the orientation of parallel gray stripes against backgrounds that gradually begin to match the shade of the stripes.”

If you have trouble with contrast sensitivity, it is recommended that you be fitted for eyeglasses, but science is moving toward supplementation as a supported option. EyePromise Vizual Edge PRO is formulated to support your vision and help pick up on fine detail, as well as help with occasional dry eye and glare.

   2. Eye Tracking

Eye Tracking tests determine how well your eyes are able to follow moving objects. One such test includes “computer systems where your eyes follow motion on a screen and mechanical rotation devices resembling record players upon which targets move in a circular pattern.”

   3. Ocular Alignment

Ocular Alignment tests can help an athlete see how well his eyes are aligned with one another. This test includes a doctor covering one eye, then observing the other eye to see how it responds to certain stimulations. The next step is to uncover both eyes and see how they respond to the same stimulation. The purpose of this test is to really see how well your eyes work together.

   4. Eye Dominance

Every person has a dominant eye, and an athlete can use this knowledge to his or her advantage. One popular eye dominance test (also known as the Miles test) involves, “forming a triangle with your fingers and framing a spot while you look at it through both eyes. By closing one eye and then the other, you can identify your dominant eye as the one that maintains a stable view of the object you have framed.”

However, to be sure of knowing which is your dominant eye, you may need to go to a professional for a Dolman method test. This test advises the patient to “keep both eyes focused on an object as it moves nearer. When one eye finally "diverges" or loses focus, then the other eye is dominant. If your non-dominant eye loses focus too soon, this could mean that you have problems with stereopsis or binocularity.”

Knowing how strong your vision is can be incredibly important. It can mean the difference between a winning game, or a loss. By consistently testing your vision along with supplementing with zeaxanthin, you are ensuring not only the health of your eyes, but also your best game.