In this episode, Dr. Laby dives into one of the most overlooked yet impactful factors in athletic performance: myopia, or nearsightedness. For athletes who depend on split-second visual precision—whether tracking a fastball, spotting a teammate, or reading subtle movement cues—nearsightedness can quietly erode competitive performance. The discussion begins by breaking down what myopia is: the ability to see near objects clearly but with blurred distance vision. While glasses and contacts can correct it temporarily, the real concern lies in progression—the gradual worsening of myopia over time.

The episode explores two critical consequences of progressive myopia. The first is the immediate impact on sports performance. Even small prescription changes can degrade visual acuity from elite levels like 20/12 or 20/15 down to 20/20, which for most people seems “perfect,” but for professional athletes can mean the difference between success and failure. The second consequence is more serious: long-term eye health. As the eye elongates, it physically stretches the retina, increasing the risk of irreversible damage such as retinal tears, detachment, maculopathy, and early cataracts.

Listeners then learn how managing myopia isn’t just about sharper sight—it’s about protecting the structure and longevity of the eye itself. Research shows that slowing myopia progression by just one diopter (one unit in prescription strength) can reduce future vision-threatening risks by approximately 40%. That’s a profound, quantifiable benefit that highlights the importance of early intervention, especially for young athletes and those still developing visually through their teens and early twenties.

Dr. Laby also outlines the key risk factors that increase susceptibility to progressive myopia: early age of onset, genetics, excessive near work (especially screen time), and ethnic background (with higher prevalence in individuals of Asian descent). These insights are paired with actionable recommendations, including regular, specialized sports vision evaluations that go beyond the standard “20/20” eye exam.

Finally, the episode introduces three modern, evidence-based strategies proven to slow or control myopia progression: orthokeratology (Ortho-K)—nighttime lenses that reshape the cornea; multifocal soft contact lenses that alter peripheral focus; and low-dose atropine eye drops, which biochemically signal the eye to slow elongation. Together, these tools empower athletes and parents alike to make informed, proactive decisions about visual health—ensuring not just peak performance today, but lifelong visual stability and safety.

• Myopia (nearsightedness) affects both athletic performance and long-term eye health.
• Even a slight increase in prescription (e.g., 0.50–1.00 diopter) can lower visual performance from elite to average levels.
• Progressive myopia causes the eye to elongate, increasing risks of retinal damage, maculopathy, and cataracts.
• Slowing myopia by just 1 diopter reduces future vision risks by roughly 40%.
• Major risk factors: young age of onset, genetics, prolonged near work, and Asian ethnicity.
• Three proven treatments for controlling progression:

1. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Nighttime corneal reshaping lenses.
2. Multifocal soft contacts: Adjust peripheral light focus to limit eye growth.
3. Low-dose atropine drops: Biochemical signal that halts elongation.

• Regular sports vision evaluations are crucial — 20/20 isn’t necessarily “good enough” for elite performance.
• The goal: Correct for...