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Optimizing Visual Performance for Sport – Part 4

Optimizing Visual Performance for Sport – Part 4

Posted by amess on Jan 1st 2020

This 4-part series has highlighted the many options available to help athletes see their sport better. Let’s recap.

Evaluation

The first step is a thorough evaluation of visual performance abilities with consideration of the visual demands of the sport. A vision examination should carefully measure refractive error to determine if refractive compensation or a change in refractive prescription is merited. With recent advances in the understanding of the role of nutrients in visual and cognitive performance, it may be beneficial to also discuss dietary and supplementation options with the athlete.

Training Options

After the evaluation, we moved into training options. Sports vision training (SVT) provides another opportunity for the athlete to enhance visual performance factors that are important for their sport. Consideration should be given to the enhancement of component visual skill training, as well as naturalistic training options. It is also reasonable to expect that supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin (L & Z) would have a synergistic effect with SVT, where increased macular pigment optical density produces larger improvements in visual performance factors targeted with training. In most sports, vision is a critical element for successful performance. Optimal vision is important for the athlete so that visual performance is not responsible for limitations in sports success. There is ample evidence that SVT and proper nutritional intake approaches can provide the athlete with optimal vision for the demands of their sport.

Nutritional Solution

EyePromise ® offers eye health vitamins that are both NSF Contents Tested and Certified and Certified for Sport. Made with high-quality, natural ingredients, EyePromise vitamins are proven through science and backed with money-back and performance guarantees. As the choice of pro athletes, you can trust that you get what you see. Learn more about EyePromise for athletes. Go back to the first post. Go back to the second post. Go back to the third post. If you're interested in reading more, Dr. Erickson published a similar perspective piece in Vision Development & Rehabilitation. Find it on page 221.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.