The study of vision correction options in athletes with myopia

Abstract

Aim. To study the options to correct vision in athletes with myopia. Methods. 100 athletes with myopia, going in for different sports, (male - 49, female - 51, aged 14 to 35 years) were examined and questioned. The questionnaire contained questions regarding following issues: sports type, myopia degree, type of vision correction, type of contacts, wear schedule of contact lenses, adverse effects. Ophthalmic examination included visual acuity testing, eye examination with automated refractor and anterior biomicroscopy. Results. Low myopia was diagnosed in all of the athletes examined. 49% of them did not used any vision correction because of the low degree of myopia - less than 0.75 dpt, the rest 51% used glasses in 18% of cases and contacts in 33% of cases. Athletes participating in injury-prone sports or sports requiring good long distance vision and good peripheral vision such as ice hockey, volleyball, football, used the contact lenses. Hence, the contact lens type did not complied with recommended for use in sports by their replacement schedule. 81% of questioned athletes wore lenses with 4-week replacement period or of longer use instead of daily disposable lenses that are preferable. In 18% of athletes wearing contacts a chronic conjunctivitis was diagnosed. Conclusion. For external eye complications prevention in athletes going in for injury-prone sports not only type of vision correction but the contact lenses replacement schedule matters.