Static and dynamic visual acuity and refractive errors in elite football players

Abstract

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate static and dynamic visual acuity, refractive error, and the use of visual compensation of elite football players.

Methods

From 2015 to 2017, 147 professional players from five teams were analysed. Screening consisted of a survey about the use of visual correction, and measurement refractive error, static visual acuity and dynamic visual acuity. Refractive error was assessed using an autorefractor. Distance static visual acuity was evaluated using a Snellen chart. Dynamic visual acuity was measured at five metres using the software COI‐SV. All athletes were male with a mean age of 24.6 ± 4.1 years.

Results

The mean refractive error of the athletes was −0.04 ± 0.83 D, and 16.4 per cent were myopic. Statistically significant differences were found for dynamic visual acuity (p = 0.033), based on the position occupied. Goalkeepers displayed the best dynamic visual acuity and forwards had the lowest values (0.82 ± 0.14 and 0.62 ± 0.17, respectively). The forwards presented with the highest prevalence of myopia and goalkeepers the lowest, at 22.5 per cent and 12.5 per cent, respectively. All goalkeepers who needed to use a correction for play used it, whereas only 16 per cent of the forwards who needed a correction used it.

Conclusion

Dynamic visual acuity of forwards is lower than that of other players. Twenty‐five per cent of players who need to use visual correction to practice sports actually use it.

Key words:

• dynamic visual acuity
• football players
• myopia
• refractive error
• sports vision

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors express their sincere gratitude to the athletes, the medical and technical staff of all teams involved in this project.