Vision Scotland: A look into rugby-ball shaped eyes

7 Feb 2025

Rugby is a sport that demands exceptional visual and physical skills from its players. As Official Eyecare Specialist Partner of Edinburgh Rugby we are committed to supporting all players and supporters of the game and enhancing those visual skills.

One of the most intriguing aspects of vision, coincidentally, is the concept of ‘rugby ball-shaped eyes’ and how that relates to hand-eye coordination. It’s a fascinating topic, so let’s explore its impact on the game.

When we talk about ‘rugby ball-shaped eyes’ we’re actually referring to a common eye condition called astigmatism.

This occurs when the cornea (the front surface of the eye) or the lens (inside the eye) is an irregular shape, more like an oval rugby ball than a perfectly round football. This irregularity affects how light enters the eye and can lead to blurred or distorted vision if left uncorrected.

While astigmatism might sound like a disadvantage, many people have this condition. The key is proper diagnosis and correction. This can be achieved through getting spectacles or contact lenses or – to reduce the need for glasses or lenses while involved in a fast-paced sport, for example – by having refractive eye surgery, something at which we at Vision Scotland are experts.

Without doubt, hand-eye coordination is crucial in rugby, as it determines how quickly and accurately a player can react to catching and passing the ball, kicking accurately, tackling opponents, reading the game and making split-second decisions.

The relationship between eye shape, vision correction and hand-eye coordination is complex, however. While having perfect vision doesn’t guarantee superior performance, addressing any visual issues can significantly enhance a player’s abilities on the field.

Rugby players, and those involved in a variety of sports, can improve their visual skills and hand-eye coordination by continuing to have regular eye exams to ensure any vision problems are detected and corrected early – here at Vision Scotland we can help navigate that journey from diagnosis to treatment and recovery.

By understanding the unique visual demands of rugby and addressing them through proper care and training, we can work with players to elevate their game to new heights – whether they have ‘rugby ball-shaped eyes’ or not!

So next time you’re watching a high-performance match, remember you’re not just witnessing athletic prowess – you’re seeing the remarkable interplay of vision, coordination and skill that makes professional rugby such an exciting sport.