August 13, 2024

Improving Reaction Time in Sports

There are few skills in sports more important than the ability to react quickly to a stimulus. Having a quick reaction time allows a sprinter to start running the moment a race begins, and a…
Posted by
Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy

There are few skills in sports more important than the ability to react quickly to a stimulus.

Having a quick reaction time allows a sprinter to start running the moment a race begins, and a football player to avoid a tackle. It’s the same skill a race car driver needs when someone swerves into their lane at 200 mph.

The good news is that reaction time is a skill that can be improved.

What is reaction time?

The central nervous system (which includes the spinal cord and brain) and the peripheral nervous system (which includes the rest of the body) define and govern our reactions.

When the body detects stimuli to which it must respond, the eyes send a signal to the brain via neurons in the optic nerve, the only neural communication connecting the eyes and the brain. The central nervous system then processes these impulses and sends commands to the muscles of the body, which carry out the commands. This process occurs in a matter of seconds.

Reactions and reflexes

Is there a distinction between a reaction and a reflex? Yes. A reflex is an involuntary or automatic action that the body carries out in response to something.

Reflexes are designed to protect us from injury, whereas responses allow us to respond to a wide range of stimuli. Since reflex signals must be processed faster than a reaction, they travel directly down the spinal cord and bypass our brain. Our reactions, on the other hand, must first be processed by the brain.

Sports Vision Training

A quick reaction time is necessary for a variety of sports and activities. Fortunately, sports vision training can help any athlete improve their reaction time.

Sports vision training, a type of vision therapy, consists of individually prescribed and monitored eye exercises and activities aimed at enhancing specific visual abilities and processing in athletes of all ages. These customized exercises teach the brain and eyes to communicate more effectively, so the body can react faster.

Weekly in-office appointments and at-home exercises are usually part of this therapy. The program can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Close monitoring and follow-up consultations are required throughout sports vision training to guarantee that the patient’s visual functions continue to improve.

Your sports vision eye doctor will work with you to enhance your visual skills and gain a competitive edge and confidence in your favourite sports.

Contact Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy to learn more about how sports vision therapy can not only improve your reaction time but your overall performance as well.

Our practice serves patients from Victoria, Nanaimo, Duncan, and Vancouver Island, British Columbia and surrounding communities.

Share
Our Victoria Practice
Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy
200-775 Topaz Ave
Victoria, BC V8T 4Z7
Phone
(250) 590-7384
Fax
250-412-6459
Email
(Do not send personal health information by email.)
  • Monday:
    8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Tuesday:
    8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday:
    8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Thursday:
    8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Friday:
    8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Saturday:
    8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
  • Sunday:
    Closed
Rating
5.0
Out of 265 Reviews
Our Nanaimo Practice
Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy
205-1825 Bowen Rd
Nanaimo, BC V9S 1H1
Phone
(250) 591-0270
Fax
250-412-6459
Email
(Do not send personal health information by email.)
  • Monday:
    10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Tuesday:
    10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Wednesday:
    10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Thursday:
    11:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Friday:
    9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Saturday:
    Closed
  • Sunday:
    Closed
Rating
4.9
Out of 59 Reviews

You Ask, We'll Answer

Educating you so you can make informed decisions

View More Resources
Want to ask a different question? Contact us here
  • What is Neuro-Optometry?

    Neuro-Optometry focuses on the intricate connection between your visual system and the brain, extending beyond traditional eye care to assess functional vision. This branch of optometry examines how your eyes track, move, coordinate, and how your brain processes depth, motion, and balance. Disruptions in these functions can lead to a range of issues including headaches, migraines, dizziness, balance challenges, post-concussion symptoms, reading difficulties, and attention deficits (ADHD). By exploring these functional areas, we also identify opportunities to enhance performance in activities such as sports, reading speed, and cognitive processes.

  • What is Vision Therapy?

    At Opto-Mization, vision therapy is a specialized, personalized program aimed at improving visual skills and abilities. It goes beyond traditional vision therapy to help improve how the eyes and brain work together, addressing visual-motor and perceptual-cognitive challenges to enhance overall visual function. It’s more than just exercises; it’s a pathway to better vision and improved daily life.

  • Do you Provide Regular Eye Exams and General Optometric Services?

    Yes, alongside vision therapy and neuro-optometry, we offer comprehensive eye exams and general optometry services. Our experienced optometrists perform thorough eye exams to evaluate overall eye health, identify any eye conditions or diseases, and prescribe corrective lenses when beneficial.

  • Who is the Ideal Candidate for Vision Therapy and Neuro-Optometry?

    Vision therapy and neuro-optometric rehabilitation can help individuals of all ages. Whether you’re struggling with visual processing issues, binocular vision disorders, amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (eye misalignment), or have sustained a brain injury, our services might be beneficial for you. Contact us to discuss if our tailored approach can meet your specific needs and goals.

  • Do I Need a Referral to See an Optometrist at Opto-Mization?

    No, you do not need a referral for an eye exam at Opto-Mization. We welcome anyone who suspects they might benefit from our services, whether you’re experiencing symptoms of visual discomfort or just want to ensure optimal visual performance. Feel free to reach out and schedule your appointment directly with us to take the first step toward understanding and improving your visual function.

  • Do You Direct Bill Insurance?

    Yes, we offer direct billing for a variety of insurance plans to make the process as seamless and hassle-free as possible for our patients. Our knowledgeable staff is well-versed in working with insurance providers, ensuring that you can maximize your benefits while minimizing out-of-pocket expenses for our services, including vision therapy and eye exams.