Keeping a Tinted Eye on the Ball: Contact Lenses and Sports

Image by Keith Allison

Many athletes’ most important piece of equipment is practically invisible. Without contact lenses, a hall-of-fame talent likely would amount to no more than a scrub.

Take for example Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper. The top draft pick in 2010 began his professional career with the Single-A Hagerstown Suns struggling to hit, managing a measly .231 batting average.

Instead of tinkering with his swing, the Nationals sent Harper to an optometrist. In his first 20 games with contact lenses, he hit .480 with seven home runs and 10 doubles.

Considering that contact lenses can produce such amazing results, it may seem hard to believe that at one point contact lenses had a hidden place in sports.

''For a lot of professional athletes, wearing contact lenses is a well-guarded secret,'' said Dr. A. I. Garner, an optometrist and the executive director of the National Academy of Sports Vision in Harrisburg, Pa. to The New York Times in 1990. ''Most players don't want to identify themselves as having eye problems.''

That stigma has faded, and the technology has evolved. Harper made headlines in 2012 when he wore red contact lenses, which many players say helps them better see the spin of the ball by reducing glare and blocking blue light.

Red isn’t always best, the sport dictates the color. Football players tend to wear blue while golfers where gray-green, for example.

Image: Carine06

Harper is only one of dozens of athletes who have turned to everyday or high tech contacts in an effort to boost performance or gain a competitive edge. Among the tinted contact lens converts are New York Jets wide receiver Santonio Holmes, tennis great Roger Federer and golfer Justin Leonard.

Despite all the hype, the jury is still out on whether or not colored lenses can actually make a difference in performance. Several studies have shown that tinted contact lenses do not significantly improve athletic performance. Athletes, though, seem content to hold onto them for the perceived edge it provides.

Want to learn more about contact lenses and sports? Join ABO/NCLE certified speaker Linda Conlin on April 6 for OpticalCEUs Annual Spring Continuing Education Seminar for Opticians at  Foxwoods Resort and Casino.

Linda breaks down the benefits of contact lenses over spectacles for the casual and serious athlete, fitting considerations based on various types of sports and patient management for athletes.

The event features five other courses giving opticians the opportunity to earn three ABO and four NCLE continuing education credits.

Reserve your seat for the best value in continuing education. Register now!