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Need for optometric services identified in young athletes
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SAN FRANCISCO - A recent study has shown a continued need to ensure the visual system is not limiting athletic performance in youths and that eye protection is used, according to a presenter here at Academy 2010.
Data from 116 athletes participating in the 2009 American Athletic Union League Junior Olympic Games was compared to data collected from 449 athletes participating in the 1997 and 1998 games, Stephen A. Beckerman, OD, FAAO, reported at an American Academy of Optometry-sponsored press conference.
The athletes were between 5 and 19 years old. A presenting visual acuity was taken for the athlete's sport. "If they don't wear glasses for their sport, they didn't wear them for the screening," Dr. Beckerman said.
He said that "58.7% of athletes without current correction had not had an eye exam in more than 2 years, and 20% of athletes without current correction exhibited visual acuity greater than 20/25, indicating a need for optical correction."
No significant differences were identified when performance-based testing from 1997 and 1998 was compared to the 2009 study.
"No athletes reported wearing either prescription or nonprescription protective eye wear for sports," Dr. Beckerman added.
"Results indicate a continued need for optometric services within the athletic population," he concluded.