NBA player Stephen Curry discovers 'a whole new world' with contact lenses

Wednesday, 29 May 2019 by Vision Direct

Stephen Curry case - Can contact lenses totally transform your vision?

It's the talk of the basketball world: In an interview with The Athletic, NBA player Stephen (Steph) Curry of the Oakland Golden State Warriors was asked about his spectacular form in April 2019. He was clear about his answer, he has recently discovered contact lenses. "I'm serious" he clarified, "it's as if a whole new world had been discovered."

The stats tell the full story. Before wearing contact lenses his average 3 pointer success rate was 42.9%. After starting to wear contacts, this figure has risen to 48.7%. During this time he has a 9 game streak with a minimum of 5 converted 3 pointers and has scored 56 shots out of 115 attempts from the three-point line, a dizzying figure for a player who was already considered one of the greatest all time MBA shooters.

Since debuting in the NBA in 2009, Steph Curry has built up some impressive records. At 31 years old, he:

  • Has won 3x NBA champion rings - 2015, 2017 & 2018
  • Has been 2x NBA MVP - 2015 & 2016
  • Holds the record for most 3 pointers scored in one season - 402 in 2015/2016
  • Holds the record for more games in a row scoring at least one 3 pointer in the regular season - 157, in 2014 & 2016
  • Holds the record for the most 3 pointers scored in a final - 9, in 2018 against the Cleveland Cavaliers

With this record, and Steph’s improved 3 pointer record since wearing contacts the future seems even brighter for Steph Curry and more terrifying for his rivals. But, what was it that had been limiting Steph Curry's full potential before he started wearing contact lenses? The answer is keratoconus.

What is Keratoconus?

An eye with keratoconus

Keratoconus is a disease that causes the cornea, the clear and transparent front section of the eye, to bulge and have a conical rather than a round shape. Due to this anomaly, the light that enters the eye deviates more than usual, resulting in defective vision. In the case of Curry, keratoconus causes astigmatism, and that's why he needs to use toric contact lenses.

Keratoconus usually begins in adolescence and stabilizes around the age of 30. Curry is now 31, but has only recently become aware of his keratoconus. "I had become accustomed to squinting for so long that it seemed normal." he said in the interview.

What lessons can we learn from Stephen Curry’s case?

Check your vision regularly

We often repeat this statement, because it’s so important: checking your eyesight regularly is essential. An eye test not only helps to identify changes to your prescription, it can also detect eye conditions such as keratoconus and glaucoma. Eye tests can also track the symptoms of diseases including diabetes or hypertension.

If you are over the age of 16, we recommend you get your eyes tested every 2 years. If you are over 60, you would benefit from getting your eyes checked every year. If you can't remember the last time you had your eyes tested - it probably means they're due for another one. Visit your local optician or book an appointment to ensure your eyes are healthy and your prescription is up to date.

Choose the right contact lenses for you

Basketball player

There’s a huge variety of contact lens prescriptions, wearing patterns and lens types, so it is important you use appropriate lenses for your unique needs. If you have myopia or hyperopia, standard spherical contact lenses are suitable. If, like Curry, you also suffer from astigmatism, choose toric contact lenses. For wearers with presbyopia, browse our multifocal contact lenses range to enjoy greater freedom.

Contact lenses also adapt to your lifestyle. Daily contact lenses are ideal if you don’t use lenses everyday, because they don’t need to be stored in solution overnight, this means you can use them once and then throw them away. On the other hand, if you wear your lenses every day, you may prefer monthly lenses, which are usually a cheaper option than daily disposable lenses. For something in between, try bi-weekly lenses - which are more hygienic than monthly lenses and at the same time often cheaper than daily lenses. Whatever your lifestyle or needs, there is a contact lens for you.

Contact lenses and sports, a perfect combination

Whether you run in the park occasionally or play a team sport every week, contact lenses and sport is always a winning combination. Not only are contact lenses a more comfortable and safe option, but they are also more stable than glasses. Contact lenses also provide a greater field of vision. In addition, there are many contact lenses with a UV filter to protect your eyes from UV damage, this is essential when exercising outdoors.

If, like Steph Curry, you want to experience all the fantastic benefits of contact lenses, we recommend trialing free everclear ADM contact lenses. Who knows, maybe your performance could also be better than you ever imagined.

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