Refractive error and vision correction in a general sports‐playing population

Abstract

This study showed that sport was not associated with different levels of myopia prevalence in the adult population. However, subjects engaging in outdoor sports had lower rates of myopia prevalence. Penetration of contact lens use in sport was four times higher than the overall adult population. Contact lenses were the preferred system of correction in sports compared to spectacles or refractive surgery, but this preference was affected by the type of sport practised and by the age and level of sports activity for which the preference was required.

Contact Lenses in Sports

“…Different aspects such as depth perception, hand-eye-body coordination, colour, contrast, visual memory, and visual reaction time are required for better performance [14]. Several vision correction options are available but players often go with either contact lenses or refractive surgery [4]. Refractive surgeries have an advantage over contact lens as it eliminates the need of using prescription eyewear and have no risk of lens loss or damage from the lens.…”

“…Advancements in contact lenses have provided many athletes with significant refractive conditions and the ability to compete in their respective sports. Contact lenses have become the ideal vision correction choice for virtually anyone involved in sporting activities, whether it is cricket, football golf, tennis, or water sports lenses for vision correction in sports playing general population has been found 4X higher than in the overall adult population and is the preferred choice compared to spectacle or refractive surgery [4].…”

Comparison of Factors Associated with Myopia among Middle School Students in Urban and Rural Regions of Anhui, China

“…In particular, it has been postulated that reducing academic pressure may help control the high prevalence of myopia, although this has not yet been proven 10 . In terms of time outdoors, it turns out that it does not matter whether the child is active or not, just that they are outdoors in brighter light 11,12 . Light stimulation is known to increase the production and release of retinal dopamine.…”

“…10 In terms of time outdoors, it turns out that it does not matter whether the child is active or not, just that they are outdoors in brighter light. 11,12 Light stimulation is known to increase the production and release of retinal dopamine. In addition, the hypothesis has been suggested by several studies that increasing dopamine levels or dopamine receptor activity may prevent myopia.…”

“…Under the guidance of their parents, children completed a questionnaire that was designed to identify factors associated with myopia. The questionnaire was based on the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, myopia research reports, 2,3,6,[9][10][11][12]14,15 and regional educational department needs in Anhui, including demographic characteristics, near work activities, sleep, and outdoor activities. A total of 6736 questionnaires were distributed through smartphones or filled in on site.…”