The eyes are an amazing part of our anatomy. They play a significant role in human interaction. It’s by far the most important organ of sense because we perceive up to 80 percent of all impressions by means of our sight.
Good vision is very important as it plays a vital role in sports performance. For instance, poor eyesight could be the one thing that keeps a good jockey from being an exceptional one. In addition, it can very well be the all-important element or factor that pushes a good jockey into an elite jockey.
In the world of horse racing, nothing affects performance more than the ability to see clearly and correctly. Jockeys, trainers, and owners know very well that clear vision is fundamental for winning races. Even punters looking for free bookmaker bets rely on their vision to find the best deals.
The eyes are connected directly to the brain through the optic nerve which means they lead and guide the body. If jockeys with a well-trained body are unable to use their eyes to their full abilities, they will not be performing at their maximum potential.
Jockeys with vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism need corrective lenses to help them see better. Some use eyeglasses but more prefer contact lenses as it can enhance their performance in many ways. Contact lenses offer a competitive advantage and are favoured for sports and recreation. The advantages include:
- Better peripheral vision
- Unobstructed and wider field of view
- More convenient and comfortable
- Less chance of fogging up or getting splattered
- Less likelihood of injury
- More natural and stable vision
- Better compatibility with safety equipment
One of the few jockeys known to wear contact lenses while riding is Andrew Thornton. He was nicknamed “Lensio” and “Blindman” because of this. In his teenage days, he wore great big spectacles and was nicknamed Eddie after Eddie the Eagle when he was riding out for the legendary W A Stephenson. He has ridden high-class, winning horses such as See More Business, Cool Dawn and French Holly.
Contact lenses are great for those on the horse racing industry, especially the jockeys with vision problems. After all, the horses still rely on them for control, and of course, their unimpeded vision in order to get to the finish line ahead of the others.