Sports Vision Training in Children for Early Sports Participation

A child’s self-esteem and physical health can benefit from sports. Sports keep youngsters healthy and help them feel good about themselves. Yet, some kids may have difficulties in sports because of eyesight issues.
 

The ability to track moving things, judge distances, and respond quickly depends on clear eyesight. Low self-esteem, frustration, and embarrassment can result from poor eyesight. This might make it difficult for kids to enjoy sports. It can also cause feelings of insecurity and isolation.
 

What Is Sports Vision Training?

This vision treatment can improve sports-related eye-brain coordination. SVT uses computer software for visual activities. It also uses balance equipment exercises and light boards for peripheral vision.
 

Sports vision training can help with many vision problems that affect sports skills. This particular exercise regimen aims to enhance a child’s sporting vision abilities. It improves visual processing speed, depth perception, and peripheral vision. It also boosts attentional flexibility and hand-eye coordination.
 

What Happens During SVT

An optometrist or visual therapist typically runs SVT sessions. They track the child’s development and change the workout intensity and frequency as necessary. The meetings may occur once or twice weekly for several weeks or months. They usually last anywhere between 30 minutes and an hour. Your child might receive exercises to do at home between sessions.
 

Advantages of Sports Vision Training for Kids

SVT can improve a child’s ability to see moving objects clearly and track them with their eyes. It enhances their ability to change focus between close and far distances. They can use their peripheral vision to see players and objects around them while fixating on a target. It can also help kids develop their ability to judge the speed and distance of players and objects.
 

SVT can increase kids’ enthusiasm for sports. It accomplishes this by boosting their self-assurance and pride in their athletic prowess. Also, it can lessen their playtime stress and shame. This can encourage them to practice and develop their abilities. Kids may feel inspired to try new sports or pastimes they previously shunned.
 

How to Determine Whether Your Child Requires SVT

Does your child enjoy sports but feel less skilled than their friends? If so, they may have a vision issue that impairs their athletic abilities. Consider these indications that your child might need SVT:
 

• Losing interest in or disliking team sports.
• Having trouble throwing or catching a ball.
• Difficulty observing or following the ball.
• Poor timing or distance judgment.
• A lack of practice-related improvement.
• Trouble remembering plays or obeying directions.

Schedule a vision test with a sports vision optometrist if you notice these symptoms. They will test your kid’s sports vision with different tools. Then, based on the diagnosis, they will provide a customized sports vision training program.

Conclusion

Children that undergo sports vision training have more fun. They also experience enhanced sports vision. It can improve several visual abilities. Find a pediatric SVT provider to assist your little one in realizing their sporting potential.
 

For more on sports vision training, visit EyeXcel at our Knoxville, Tennessee, offices. Call (865) 687-1232 or (865) 243-8260 to schedule an appointment today.