Vision is much more than just seeing 20/20 on a fixed eye chart. The visual system relies on a diverse, overlapping set of skills to function correctly. If any of these skills are underdeveloped, your athletic performance can be adversely affected. Just as you would work to increase your endurance and practice the skills your favorite sport requires, you can improve your athletic performance by honing your visual skills through vision training.
• A tennis or volleyball player might work to improve hand eye coordination to set up accurate, powerful serves. They might also work on eye tracking and visual reaction time to return a serve rocketing towards them.
• In contrast, a football quarterback or basketball point guard might benefit from opening up their peripheral vision so they can know where their team mates and opponents are at all times.
The Components of the Visual System
The components of the visual system might be considered as a three tiered pyramid.
1. The base of the pyramid is eye health. This includes each eye's structural integrity and basic neurological function. If the health of the eyes is good, then the input they provide to the visual system should be good.
2. The next tier of the pyramid is eye function. This includes the eyes' ability to - dynamic visual acuity, eye tracking, eye-hand-body coordination, visual memory, visualization, peripheral vision, visual reaction time, and depth perception. Thinking on your feet while moving your body is the key!
3. The top level of the pyramid is the brain's ability tocombine input from all senses to do well in school, sports and careers.
Traditional eye exams evaluate and address issues associated with the base of the pyramid - eye health. If necessary, prescriptions for corrective lenses can be issued. Vision Training can address problems with the second and third tiers of the pyramid. It can help improve how the eyes work and how the brain interprets the input to do well on tests, excel in sports and improve self-esteem and confidence of each patient.
Stars In Your Eyes Vision Training Center is committed to thoroughly evaluating each patient and to developing a customized vision training program that will meet their specific needs and the demands of their specific sporting endeavors. Our newest Vision therapist, Amber Click, is a former collegiate volleyball player and our resident sports vision expert. Call (512) 419-1212 today to learn more.
The Arizona Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald, one of NFL's best wide receivers, used vision training to improve his performance. Click here for a link to an ESPN article on his vision training.
