He’s only an All-Star Under the Stars

June 28, 2011 - PRLog -- Major Leaguer Josh Hamilton Blames His Poor Hitting on His Pretty Eyes
                                        The California Optometric Association Pitches In

(June 28, 2011)   Texas Ranger, Josh Hamilton has commented on his less than stellar day-time batting performance and he’s chocking it up to his blue eyes. The Today Show reported that Josh claims his blue eyes are super-sensitive to sunlight, making it difficult to see at the plate during the day. This might explain why his batting average nearly triples when he swings under the stars.
Doctors say there is truth to his rationalization as blue eyes have less pigment than green, hazel and brown eyes do, limiting the amount of light the retina can quickly absorb. “Blue-eyed individuals suffer a functional disadvantage as the sun registers brighter to their eyes.  This results from the scatter of light within the eye and onto the retina, possibly causing more distraction, and certainly more discomfort outdoors” says blue-eyed optometrist Dr. Leanne Liddicoat of the California Optometric Association. She explains, “Pigment absorbs light, much like darker skin is more resilient than light skin in the sun, but that’s not to say that those with lighter eyes are more prone to optical sun damage, they just suffer more light sensitivity.”
So it is safe to say that Josh’s claim holds water, but we are left to wonder why he hasn’t purchased a pair of high-quality shades to offset his shortcomings. It would be worth it to invest in a pair of sunglasses made for athletes if Josh wants to boost his seasonal batting average. Visibility is imperative to someone relying on it to see fast moving  objects like a curve ball, or a bad pitch outside the strike zone for that matter, and if the sun is debilitating to a players vision, they should use protection.
Athletes of all eye colors have many options when it comes to sun protection. See your optometrist for an annual eye exam and to find a pair of shades that might help you step up your game. To find an optometrist near you who is an expert in sports vision visit www.eyehelp.org  
      The California Optometric Association, founded in 1899, is California’s oldest recognized community for optometrists. It represents over 2700 optometrists in the state. COA is dedicated to assuring the highest quality of health care for the public through the advancement of optometry. For more information, log onto www.coavision.org

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