Page 107 - The Indian Optician Digital Edition January-February 2022
P. 107
FIGURE 1: VISUAL TALENTS OF ATHLETES (MODIFIED FROM (3))
Snellen’s acuity The third level of the pyramid comprises of
visual mechanics that deals with the highlights
Eye-tracking devices test on how the brain uses visual information to
Ocular alignment test instruct body muscles, to behave appropriately.
The best on-field performance comes on the
Eye dominance test top of the sports vision pyramid which is the
Depth perception measurements, and ‘on-field’ performance that can only be achieved
when each level of the visual pyramid has been
Assessments of visual processing speed and optimised. If the athlete’s performance is still not
hand-eye coordination. up to the mark then it can be attributed to other
SPORTS VISION PYRAMID: ocular malfunctions.
Laby and Kirschen (2018) gave a new model FUTURE OF SPORTS VISION:
for sports and vision performance (see figure The field of sports vision needs to incorporate
2). There are two main components that are of a co-management relationship between
5
prime importance in the sports vision pyramid. ophthalmology and optometry relations. This
These are the visual acuity and the contrast is possible with the synergy, mutual respect
sensitivity. These are included at the base of the
pyramid. Visual acuity is improved by properly DOMINANT
correcting the refractive error and the contrast EYE TEST
sensitivity can be improved by means of filters
and also by reducing glare in the strong light
conditions of the stadium, monocularly. These
come under the monocular sensory processes.
The next level of the pyramid deals with the
improvement in the binocular vision conditions
wherein, motor problems such as strabismus
and fixation disparity or sensory problems such
as suppression and amblyopia are managed.
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