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Accommodation

Visual accommodation refers to the process by which the eye adjusts in order to produce a clear focus on changing distances. Also referred to as focus flexibility, it is the ability of the eye to maintain focus as vision adjusts between near and far targets.

Why is accommodation important in athletic performance?

A degree of focus affects the quality of visual information given to the brain and, in turn, the speed with which such information is processed by the brain.

Any deficiency in an athlete’s ability to maintain a clear focus on moving targets may affect reaction speed, timing, and visual coordination.

What should athletes do about their accommodation skills?

Athletes can improve their accommodation skills by strengthening and conditioning their eye muscles with simple vision exercises, such as pencil push-ups, and exercises with near-far charts and plus/minus lens flippers.