can i play sports despite my astigmatism?

by Dr. Dan Laby

Astigmatism affects both vision and sports performance …

Astigmatism affects both vision and sports performance. It is a problem where the cornea of the eye has a shape that’s different from normal. The cornea is shaped like a football than a basketball. People with astigmatism may have trouble seeing images both far and near. It may be caused by injury or disease. It is most often hereditary and is present at birth. Athletes with astigmatism often deal with blurry vision and headaches. But after receiving correction it shouldn’t stop them from competing!

Introduction

Astigmatism is a condition in which the cornea of an eye has a shape that’s different from normal. People with astigmatism may have trouble seeing images both far and near. It can be caused by injuries or disease. It is most often hereditary and present at birth. 

Astigmatism does not typically affect your ability to see objects up close or far away. People with near-sightedness (Myopia) have more problems seeing far away. People with far-sightedness (hyperopia) often have more problems seeing up close. Some people do not know they have astigmatism until they are diagnosed.

Athletes often are effected during competition due to blur. This can make it difficult to see objects clearly, especially when they are moving quickly. Astigmatic blurring can have a significant effect on athletes’ performance. It often prevents them from performing the correct visual and motor movements needed in their sport. Uncorrected astigmatism causes athletes to focus harder and tire out faster while competing. 

It is important for all sports players to get regular eye examinations so they can have an astigmatism correction if needed. 

Astigmatism affects vision – What can athletes do to reduce blur 

Athletes can reduce astigmatic blur by using special correction options like eyeglasses or contact lenses. Astigmatism can also potentially be corrected using laser surgery. Be sure to choose the astigmatism correction that will work best for you and your sports needs.

How do astigmatism correction options work 

Correction options for astigmatism include glasses, contact lenses, and surgery. Glasses are the most common type of correction and work by bending the light as it comes into your eye. This helps to correct the astigmatism. Contact lenses also correct astigmatism by bending the light as it comes into your eye. Surgery is also another type of astigmatism correction. It works by removing the part of the cornea that causes astigmatism. This allows light to enter evenly providing perfect vision.

What are the benefits of using astigmatism correction while playing sports 

If astigmatism is preventing a person from performing their best in sports, they should consider astigmatism correction so they can maximally perform in their sport. When astigmatism is corrected athletes see better and perform better as well! In fact, those who use astigmatism correction often say that it improves their vision and performance in sports.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of each correction type ?

The astigmatism correction option you choose will depend on how much astigmatism you have and what types of sport you want to play. Here’s a look at some common types of correction and their benefits and drawbacks:  

-Eyeglasses: Glasses work by bending light as it comes into the eye so that it doesn’t cause blurred vision. Glasses are the most common correction. They are inexpensive and easy to use in any type of weather. They also don’t require much care, but they can sometimes fog or slip off. 

-Contact Lenses: Contact lenses are a common correction for athletes. They allow more freedom of movement and are less likely to fog up. Contact lenses do require regular cleaning and care.

Conclusion

Astigmatism affects both vision and sports performance. Astigmatism should not stop anyone from performing in their favorite sports. If astigmatism is preventing a person from fully performing in sports, they should consider astigmatism correction. When astigmatism is corrected wearing the appropriate eyeglasses, contact lenses or laser surgery; athletes may not only see better but may also perform better as well!

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