CLINICAL

  SPORTS VISION

GARNER TESTING EQUIPMENT

A LOOK AT THE TOOLS YOU CAN USE TO ASSESS AN ATHLETE’S VISION

AMANDA NANASY, O.D.

SPORTS VISION testing ranges from simple tools to high-tech equipment. Here, I discuss a few areas of sports vision evaluation and examples for both simple and high-tech tools, so you can decide which ones you’d like to use to assess visual function.

1 OCULAR DOMINANCE

To determine ocular dominance, take your pick between a plus fog, the good old triangle test or — the fanciest of all — a paper towel roll “sighting tube.” If you want to invest to impress, strobe glasses can be used when an eye is isolated during activity.

2 DEPTH DISCRIMINATION AND SPATIAL LOCALIZATION

To assess these visual functions in the distance, a Howard-Dolman device can be employed. It uses Vernier acuity to give a reliable result. For a high-tech option, check out RightEye. This software utilizes eye tracking and gaming technology to measure neurological, essential and performance vision (including depth at 10 feet).

Dr. Amanda Nanasy using Vergel (Bernell), another sports vision tool. It measures near point conversion, part of pre-concussion testing.

3 PERIPHERAL AWARENESS AND VISUAL MOTOR REACTION TIME

To test peripheral awareness, the Wayne Peripheral Awareness Trainer is an affordable option. This wall-mounted instrument, which uses target lights and a joy stick, works well and looks pretty cool.

For reaction time, I invested in a VMET (Vision Motor Enhancement Trainer) from Bernell. It has a touchscreen monitor and customizable backgrounds and targets. For eye-hand coordination, try FitLight Trainers, which allow you to set up touch light-type targets in unique designs to fit your athlete’s needs.

4 VISUAL COINCIDENCE ANTICIPATION

To determine an athlete’s reaction and response to visual information approaching him or her, you can use a Marsden ball, which swings toward the athlete as he or she tries to, for example, touch a given color/letter. Also a low-cost option, use a strobe light and tennis balls. You can set up countless drills to make the athlete improve focus and predictive reaction time by using the strobe light for toss drills in a dark room. Add a letter to the balls for added difficulty.

The Wayne Speed-Trac and the Bassin Anticipation Timer (Lafayette Instruments), create a sequence(s) of light down a runway and require the anticipation of a certain endpoint. User response methods vary from a switch to an infrared plane for a bat to swing over, for example. The instruments can be calibrated to simulate various parameters (for example, pitch speed or a 25-yard pass). Turn either of these devices sideways to simulate visual demand for a skeet shooter.

GET STARTED

Sports vision is a rewarding specialty. Set your athletes up for their best performance, and your practice will hit a home run. OM

DR. NANASY specializes in sports vision at The Eye Center in Pembroke Pines, Fla., where she and her partner, Bob Davis, O.D., serve as team doctors for the Miami Dolphis and collegiate teams. She is also a member of the High Performance Vision Associates “A Team.” Dr. Nanasy has no financial interest in any of the companies/products mentioned. To comment visit tinyurl.com/OMComment.