Sun, Shade & Visual Adaptation in Tennis: Boost Performance in All Light

Key Points

• • Even though these are natural responses, they can impact sports performance

• Key Takeaways:

• • Transitioning between light and shadow requires visual adaptation time
• • This affects visual perception and performance
• • The pupil adapts by: Contracting (myosis), Dilating (mydriasis)
• • These changes are not instantaneous: Myosis takes 0.2 to 0.5 seconds, Mydriasis can take several seconds
• • Glare is a major factor affecting visual recovery. It can occur during gameplay (e.g. from sunlight during a serve)
• • Glare can last several minutes and impact performance
• • Glare is caused by the saturation of visual cells these cells need time to recover before regaining full function
• • Visual issues related to lighting include reduced contrast and depth perception
• • On bright, sunny days, visual adaptation strategies are important to maintain high-level vision