“Prior to eye therapy, Genny was not very coordinated and had an unusual gait. The first thing I noticed early in the program was that she could walk and even run with a more normal gait, and she could ride her bike faster.” – Jamie M., 6/30/2010
When it comes to enhancing athletic performance, most people focus on physical training, nutrition, and endurance. But can Vision Therapy, which is commonly known for improving academic performance, also help athletes? The answer is a resounding yes. Athletes like professional baseball player Alex Rodriguez and NFL wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald have credited Vision Therapy with improving their performance on the field.
Vision Therapy, a type of physical therapy for the eyes and brain, addresses many common visual issues such as lazy eye, crossed eyes, and learning disabilities. However, these same principles also benefit athletes by improving key visual skills essential for sports, such as eye-hand coordination, spatial judgment, reaction time, and peripheral awareness.
How Vision Therapy Boosts Athletic Performance
Vision Therapy is not just for academics or visual rehabilitation—it’s a powerful tool for athletes looking to improve their game. Whether you’re trying to make the varsity team or improve that extra 5%, Vision Therapy can help you get there. According to Dr. Rick Graebe, a sports vision doctor and optometrist in Versailles, “If tests show deficits in visual skills, then we can improve performance. The bigger the visual deficits, the bigger the sports improvement.”
Athletes depend heavily on their visual system for success. For example, baseball players need to process visual information quickly, especially when reacting to a fast-moving pitch. Dr. Graebe uses specialized strobe glasses in Vision Therapy to train the brain to process visual data more efficiently. As a result, a pitched ball may appear larger and slower after therapy, giving players a critical edge at the plate.
Success Stories from Vision Therapy
“If tests show deficits in visual skills, then we can improve performance,” said Dr. Graebe, who has helped many athletes, both young and old, improve their game. One of his patients, a soccer player from Danville, Kentucky, noticed a significant improvement in peripheral vision after completing his therapy. “It’s like I have eyes in the back of my head now,” the athlete remarked, illustrating how crucial peripheral vision is in fast-paced sports.
Dr. Graebe himself, a former member of the Indiana University track team, understands firsthand how critical a strong visual system is for athletes. In sports like soccer, improved peripheral vision allows players to see opponents and teammates without shifting focus, enhancing both awareness and decision-making on the field.
Why Vision Therapy Works for Athletes
Vision Therapy helps athletes improve a range of visual skills that directly impact their performance, including:
- Eye-Hand Coordination: By improving how the eyes and brain work together, athletes can react more quickly and accurately to moving objects—essential in sports like baseball, basketball, and tennis.
- Reaction Time: Vision Therapy trains the brain to process information faster, helping athletes make quicker decisions and execute plays with precision.
- Spatial Judgment and Awareness: Knowing exactly where you are in relation to the ball, your teammates, and opponents is key to success in sports. Vision Therapy sharpens these spatial skills, allowing for better positioning and control.
- Peripheral Vision: In team sports, being aware of the players around you without turning your head is crucial. Vision Therapy enhances this skill, giving athletes a broader field of vision and better anticipation.
Real Results for Real Athletes
Athletes from all over Central and Southern Kentucky, including places like Berea, Frankfort, and Lawrenceburg, have come to Neuro-Visual Performance Institute to work with Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD. Whether it’s a young soccer player looking to improve peripheral awareness or a baseball player hoping to make the varsity team, Vision Therapy can make a noticeable difference.
One of the most notable cases involved a young athlete from Lexington who struggled with tracking fast-moving objects. After undergoing Vision Therapy, the athlete reported a dramatic improvement in his reaction time, saying, “It’s like the game has slowed down for me. I can see the ball coming at me, and I have more time to react.”
Take the Next Step to Peak Athletic Performance
If you’re an athlete aiming to reach the next level in your sport, Vision Therapy might be the key to unlocking your full potential. Dr. Rick Graebe and his team at Neuro-Visual Performance Institute are ready to help you improve your game. With locations in Versailles serving the greater Lexington area and in Somerset, we specialize in helping athletes from all over Central and Southern Kentucky sharpen their visual skills.
Call us today at 859-879-0089 to schedule an appointment and start your journey to better athletic performance.
Credit:
This blog is based on information from Dr. Rick Graebe as compiled and written by John Lynch.