CLINICAL

  SPORTS VISION

TAKE THE PLUNGE

ADDRESS THE VISION NEEDS OF SWIMMERS AND DIVERS

AMANDA NANASY, O.D.

SWIMMERS AND divers may not be the first athletes who come to mind when we think of sports vision, but they have very specific visual needs that, as specialists, we can accommodate.

This guide will help you understand what these athletes need and how to help them.

SWIM GOGGLES

There are several reasons all swimmers need goggles. Even novice swimmers will appreciate protection from irritants, such as chlorinated or salt water, encountered during practice. Goggles also reduce risks of infection from the petri dish-worthy microorganisms swimmers can face. Once swimmers reach a higher level of competition, they will also want to ensure the clearest and most consistent vision to meet their performance goals. For example, goggles in gray or “smoke” may be desired for bright situations, or amber may be warranted to enhance visibility in dark situations.

Swimmers who need refractive correction will ask whether they should wear contact lenses with plano goggles or get prescription goggles. Due to the risk of infections (not to mention the chance of contact lens loss, should their goggles leak) prescription goggles are best. For those who insist on swimming in contact lenses, provide these tips:

1. Never try to remove lenses right after getting out of the water. To prevent damage from a “stuck on” lens, use an artificial tear then wait five minutes before trying to remove.

2. After time in the water, lenses should be cleaned or, even better and in the case of a daily disposable, discarded.

OPTICAL OPTIONS

To outfit these patients in your office, pick a few goggle and mask options to fit your patient’s needs, and have demos on display to start conversations. See “Goggle/Mask Options” for a list of options.

• For the competitive swimmer, FrogEye (Liberty Sport) includes double lens technology that helps swimmers see clearly both in and out of the water. For kids, the company’s Shark design is available.

• For divers, SV2000 Dive Mask (Liberty Sport) is available in single vision or bifocals. These masks are made with up to 2.00D of cylinder.

• For patients who alternate between glasses and contact lenses, the Hilco XRX Prescription Dive Mask (The Hillsinger Co.) has a tiny frame, which rests inside the mask, that can hold a prescription lens.

You won’t make big bucks selling these products, but what you gain in patient satisfaction and referrals will be well worth your effort.

PROPER FITTING

Your opticians can help ensure proper goggle fit by considering:

1. The fit and suction of the goggle. It should only stay on for a second or so without the band. Not enough or too much suction on the gasket could be problematic by creating a non-water tight seal or discomfort, respectively. Ensuring the goggles are not too wide for the patient’s socket helps provide a great fit. (A mask should have a similar suction.)

2. The comfort. Reduced comfort is often associated with a poor fit on the noseband. Adjustable nosebands provide the widest acceptance.

3. Clarity and range of vision. Anti-fog lenses are preferred. Also, consider the visual field. If swimming in open water, your patient needs to see marine life and other swimmers coming from any direction!

INTO THE DEEP END

Keep in mind that patients who can benefit from your expertise may not know what you can do to help them. Make sure patient histories include questions about recreational activities to allow you to identify and help this plentiful, yet underserved population. 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.