CASE OVERVIEW:
A 25-year-old professional hockey player from the Seattle Kraken was referred to the Bochner Eye Institute for laser vision correction. He had a refractive error of -1.25 in his right eye with 20/20 vision, while his left eye was plano with 20/20 vision. He struggled with wearing a contact lens in his right eye and felt that his depth perception was compromised when not using it.
His corneal thickness measured 540 microns in the right eye and 524 microns in the left eye, with normal computerized topography. LASIK was performed on his right eye using a femtosecond laser to create a 110-micron flap, followed by vision correction with the Allegretto 500 KHz laser. The procedure was complication-free, and he achieved an uncorrected visual acuity of 20/15 in his right eye.
KEY LEARNING POINTS:
LASIK offers many advantages for recreational and professional skiers, enhancing both performance and safety on the slopes. Here’s how:
1. CLEAR VISION WITHOUT GLASSES OR CONTACTS:
- Skiers rely heavily on clear vision to navigate terrain, judge distances, and avoid obstacles.
- No need for prescription ski goggles or inserts.
- Eliminates the risk of glasses fogging up in cold weather.
- No discomfort or irritation from contact lenses in dry, high-altitude conditions.
- Enhanced visual clarity allows skiers to better read changes in snow texture, spot moguls, and identify hazards like rocks or trees.
2. BETTER PERIPHERAL VISION:
- Unobstructed side vision, which is crucial for spotting other skiers, snowboarders, and obstacles.
Improved awareness of the terrain, reducing the risk of accidents
3. ENHANCED COMFORT:
- No contact lens irritation: Hockey rinks have dry air, which can cause discomfort or dryness in contact lens wearers.
- Less risk of fogging or sweating: Glasses can fog up due to temperature changes or sweat during a game.
4. REDUCED RISK OF INJURY:
- No broken glasses: A high-impact collision or puck hit could break glasses, causing potential injury.
- Less risk of eye infections: Contact lenses require maintenance and can increase the risk of infections.
5. LONG-TERM CONVENIENCE:
- No need for replacements: LASIK eliminates the hassle of carrying extra contact lenses or glasses.
- No mid-game adjustments: Players don’t have to worry about a lens falling out or glasses shifting during play.
6. SHARPER REACTION TIME:
- Sharper vision in fast-paced play: Hockey is a high-speed sport, and even slight vision impairments can impact performance.
- Better depth perception: LASIK can improve depth perception, crucial for passing, shooting, and positioning.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Many professional and recreational hockey players choose LASIK to enhance their performance and eliminate the inconveniences of glasses or contact lenses. The procedure can offer clearer vision, greater comfort, and increased safety on the ice. With LASIK, players can fully concentrate on their game without the distractions or limitations of traditional vision correction.
