The main purpose of this study was to verify possible visual acuity alterations and intraocular pressure in soccer players. An ophthalmological evaluation in 127 soccer athletes belonging to various categories, including female (ages ranging from 14 to 33), was carried out by the Ophthalmologic Clinic Oftalmos. The athletes were all submitted to visual acuity tests without correction, using the Snellen chart and the non-contact intraocular pressure by means of computerized tonometer (TX-model, Canon , USA). They were also submitted to a self-refraction examination using a self refractor (R-30 model, Canon, USA). The parameters used and the results obtained were the following: 56 (44%) of the 127 athletes submitted to evaluation presented self-refractions considered fairly important in one or both eyes. In the visual acuity test 3% and 2.4% of the athletes presented in the right and left eye only 20/100 and 20/200 feet of sight, respectively. The presence of a congenital punctate cataract was found in a female player. Tonometry results in five black athletes showed signs of glaucoma, which, however, will require more detailed investigation. In conclusion, the study confirmed the importance of ophthalmology as a preventive and/or corrective measure in order to identify possible ophthalmological alterations in soccer-playing athletes.
Descriptive study; Soccer players; Visual acuity; Intraocular pressure; Males. Females; Sports medicine
