Vision Is More Than 20/20
• “Eyesight is simply the ability to see something clearly, the so-called 20/20 eyesight (as measured in a standard eyeexamination with a Snellen chart). Vision goes beyond eyesight and can best be defined as the understanding of what is seen. Vision involves the ability to take incoming visual information, process that information and obtain meaning from it.”
• - Dr. Donald Getz, OD
VISION
Of the three major sensory inputs into the brain vision is at the top of the hierarchy. Since the brain is theorized to operate based on prediction with the fundamental goal being survival, having optimal visual capabilities is of utmost importance. Visual acuity is only one aspect of vision. There are 9 basic elements of "sports vision" (which includes the "sport of life" itself). These are:
1. Dynamic Visual Acuity – This is the visual skill that allows you to see objects clearly while the object is in motion. In virtually every sport this means that you need to have exceptionally good vision at distances ranging from a few inches to 300 feet.
2. Eye Tracking – Refers to your ability to "keep your eyes on the ball," no matter how fast it is traveling.
3. Eye Focusing/Accommodation – The skill to change focus quickly and accurately from one distance to another.
4. Peripheral Vision – Allows you to see people and objects "out of the corner of your eye" while concentrating on a fixed point.
5. Vergence Flexibility and Stamina - The ability to keep both eyes working together in unison under high speed, physically stressful situations and differing environments.
6. Depth Perception – This skill allows you to quickly and accurately judge the distance and speed of objects moving toward and away from you.
7. Imagery – This skill allows you to picture events with your "mind's eye" and your “virtual proprioception”.
8. Sequencing – This refers to the ability to correctly see and “put in line” a series of stimuli. In other words, it refers to the ability to organize visual information which is a key skill to understanding and reacting to the events that occur in a sporting environment. Sequencing plays a role in virtually every sport.
9. Eye-Hand & Eye-Foot Coordination – These crucial interactions are the ultimate basis of athletic skill. The ability to take in correct and appropriate visual information and translate it into necessary body movements is the essence of this skill set.
All of these attributes of vision are skills which means they are trainable. There does not exist evidence that the training will change the eye itself. However vision is not only eyesight but also the
processing of the sensory input of the eye and therefore can change with training. Yes this is part of the plasticity of the brain. It's ability to adapt based on how it is used. So vision can change with training. Learn more at the class on December 2nd, "Beyond Eyesight", and experience how vision and vision training can affect the performance of the body's strength, flexibility, and power.
