The eyes have it

American Fitness, Sept-Oct, 2003

Superior hand-eye coordination is the mark of a great athlete. "It's one of those genetic things that gives you an advantage over everyone else," explains Jim Brown, executive editor of the Georgia Tech Sports Medicine & Performance Newsletter and author of Sports Talent: How to Identify and Develop Outstanding Athletes. "These athletes seem to pick up and track objects earlier than other people."

Realizing eyesight's importance on performance, organizations are taking steps to protect and correct athletes' vision. "There is increasing awareness that wearing the right kind of glasses, goggles or lenses is important for athletes," says Brown. "We're trying to get the message to kids and athletes."

Many colleges vision screen annually and require protective eyewear, not only for protection from stray balls and elbows, but from dust and grit as well. Evidently, keeping the eyes hydrated is also important. Yvonne Johnson, director of Medical Affairs for Novartis Ophthalmics recommends artificial tear products that do not constrict blood vessels, such as GenTeal[R] Lubricant Eye Drops or Gel. For more information, visit www.genteal.com.