Vision Tests: Saving Life & Limb

When addressing the topic of preseason pre-habilitation and competition readiness, a thorough screening and testing of athletes usually involves routines that check the cardiovascular, neuromuscular and connective tissue response to the demands of an athlete’s particular sport. One aspect that is often underappreciated is a thorough vision exam. A thorough vision exam is essential to insure optimal performance by the athlete and provide the highest degree of safety for the athlete. This is more than being sure that an athlete can read black-on-white lettering at 20 feet. In fact, bringing the athlete up to the 20/20 in most cases should not be the standard, but just the starting point.

There are four aspects of vision that an athlete should be checked for, their sport depending on how heavily to weigh the results: visual acuity, peripheral vision, contrast sensitivity, depth perception.

Visual Acuity – how clearly can an athlete see? Black-on-white clarity. Essential starting point.

Peripheral Vision – this is visual awareness outside of direct line of sight. All the plyometric exercises and agility drills won’t prevent an ACL injury or a concussion if an athlete can’t see a lateral hit coming.

Contrast Sensitivity – this is the ability to detect the subtle difference is shades of color. The shade of color a moving object or an angled object can make a huge difference in split second responses by the athlete.

Depth Perception – crucial for performance (quarter back) and safety (gymnast).

These tests take very little time and every second they do take is a valuable investment in the safety and success of our athletes.

If your organization does not offer these preseason vision screenings, please visit www.aoa.org/x5428.xml to find a doctor in your area.


References Utilized:

www.aoa.org