Field of view is the angular extent of what can be seen with the eyes. Humans have general static horizontal field of view of up to about 200 degrees. However the majority of population rarely reaches such a wide angle of view, with some able to see only as little as 135 degrees.

The middle 120 degrees of the vision field provides an opportunity for the presence of binocular vision, which is the basis for 3D vision.

In addition, vertical field of vision for humans is about 50 degrees in the upper visual field and 70 degrees in the lower visual field.

The most simple way to divide the human field of vision is into the central field of view (the part within which we see detail) and the peripheral field of view (the part that provides visual context).

The central field of view is relatively narrow with the sharpest vision concentrated within only about a 2 degree angle. Clear vision is possible thanks to photoreceptors called cones, which are responsible for detecting light and seeing color. They are present in and around a small area of the retina called the macula. The strongest concentration of the cones can be found in the center of the macula, in a tiny spot called the fovea. The fovea is the only part of the retina that permits 100% visual acuity.

There is a broad set of non-central points in the visual field that can still be seen, but not seen clearly. Those points are reachable with what is called the peripheral vision, the vision which occurs outside of the very center of gaze, and which is critical for one’s balance, spatial orientation, and awareness of surroundings.

Peripheral vision is mostly dependent on visual receptors called rods, responsible for detecting movement and for seeing in the dark.

While it may seem that only the central vision is important for good seeing, the contrary is true. The whole eye needs to be active in order for it to stay healthy, to function properly and for the process of seeing to be efficient and effortless. Therefore, engaging your peripheral vision belongs among the building blocks of your vision skills training. So put your trainer on and expand your vision field!

 

HAND WAVING

  • With your Trainer on, look forward into the shield, your head high. DO NOT PEEK THROUGH THE SIDE OF THE LENS!

  • Wave or rotate your hands to create movement around your face

  • Move your hands close to your face and then away from your face, to the front and to the back, above your eyes and below your chin

  • Notice the movement your hands are creating

Practice while standing on a solid surface, or sitting on a chair/bench with your feet on the ground

Practice Lenses: #2 and #3

Trouble seeing movement?

  • Use lens #1 the first time you practice, to let your brain adjust to the loss of the visual signals that usually come from the central vision field

  • Move your hands very close to your face

  • Make big movement

  • Practice in daylight or strong indoor light

 

LOW AND HIGH BALL TOSS

  • Stand comfortably, your head high, your Trainer on and a ball in your hand. Your arms relaxed by your side

  • Look forward into the shield. DO NOT PEEK THROUGH THE BOTTOM OF THE LENS!

  • Pass the training ball back and forth from one hand to the other at your waist for a couple of minutes. Notice the movement in your lower peripheral field of view

  • Then pass the training ball above your forehead for 1-2 minutes (find an angle that allows you to notice the ball in your upper periphery). Notice the movement in your upper peripheral field of view

    This practice actively stimulates your lower periphery, while developing your eye-body coordination

Practice Lenses: #1, #2 or #3

Tips & Watch outs:

  • Use lens #1 the first time you practice, to let your brain adjust to the loss of the visual signals that usually come from the central vision field

  • Use a softer ball (like the Overbound training ball), that does not bounce off, and is therefore easier to catch