Critical Link Between Eye Health and Sports Performance
By Christopher Crawford, Principal Optometrist, Cathedral Eye Clinic
As we observe National Eye Health Week, 23rd- 29th September, it’s important to acknowledge the critical role that good vision plays in sports performance. Whether you’re a professional athlete or simply enjoy staying active, your eyesight is a key factor in how well you perform in your chosen sport. Vision goes beyond just seeing clearly—it’s about how well your eyes help you judge distance, track fast-moving objects, and coordinate your movements.
In sports, everything from catching a ball to aiming for a target relies heavily on your visual abilities. Even minor issues with your eyesight can slow your reaction time, affect your accuracy, and ultimately impact your overall performance. That’s why regular eye exams are so important for anyone involved in sports. Community optometrists offer comprehensive eye exams that do more than just check your vision; they assess how well your eyes work together and identify any underlying issues that might be affecting your game.
At Cathedral Eye Clinic, we are a dedicated eye hospital committed to providing the highest level of eye care. For those looking to enhance their vision and eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses, we offer SMILE laser surgery, the most advanced form of laser eye surgery available today. SMILE is minimally invasive, with a quicker recovery time compared to traditional laser procedures, making it an excellent choice for athletes. The procedure not only improves vision but also reduces the risk of eye injuries that can occur with contact lenses during sports activities. For sportspeople, this means clearer, sharper vision and the freedom to perform at your best without the constraints of corrective eyewear.
Protecting your eyes during sports is also crucial, especially for those who participate in contact sports like rugby or hockey. Sports-related eye injuries are more common than many realise, but they are largely preventable with the right protective eyewear. It’s important to consult with your optometrist about the best protective eyewear for your sport, whether you need impact-resistant goggles or specialised lenses that enhance contrast and reduce glare.
Nutrition plays a significant role in maintaining good vision, and by extension, in your sports performance. A diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids can help protect your eyes from conditions like macular degeneration and dry eyes. Your local optometrist can provide guidance on how to support your eye health through proper nutrition, ensuring that your diet contributes to both your visual acuity and overall athletic performance.
For athletes who spend a lot of time reviewing game footage or using digital devices, managing screen time is crucial to avoid digital eye strain, which can affect your comfort and focus during play. Your optometrist can offer tips to minimise eye strain for example the 20/20/20 rule; every 20 minutes you should look 20 feet away for 20 seconds to help reduce eye strain and keep your vision sharp both on and off the field.
Finally, if you play outdoor sports, protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays is essential. Prolonged exposure to UV light can increase the risk of earlier progression of cataracts and other eye conditions. It’s important to wear sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection, whether you’re cycling, running, or playing tennis.
During National Eye Health Week, consider making your vision a priority. By scheduling regular appointments with your community optometrist and following their advice on eye protection, nutrition, and screen time management. You can ensure that your eyes stay in top condition, helping you perform your best in any sport!
Your eye health is a crucial part of your overall fitness, and for those seeking the most advanced vision correction options, Cathedral Eye Clinic is here to help you see, and play at your best.
www.cathedraleye.com
028 9032 2020
89-91 Academy Street, Belfast, BT1 2LS