Abstract
Purpose :
Professional motorsport athletes are subject to important physical stress when racing. The aim of our study was to study their ocular surface, tear film, and retina for comparison with normal subjects and to evaluate if the racing stress would influence their characteristics.
Methods :
Ocular symptoms, contrast sensitivity, maximum blinking interval (MBI) were recorded by two investigators. Tear film thickness, non-invasive break-up time (NIBUT) and conjunctival hyperemia were studied using a keratograph with infra red light and specific software. Macular and RNFL thickness were evaluated by OCT. Twenty-one riders of the motoGP category were studied during the Valencia and Jerez de la Frontera circuit racing. Four riders were checked also after a full race, with some limitations due to logistics and race activities. Results were compared to age-matched subjects.
Results :
All riders did not report ocular symptoms before, during or after the race, except for one case reporting the use of substitute tears on a regular base. Contrast sensitivity and MBI were comparable to controls when measurement was conducted in standing position. Interestingly, when the athletes were asked to assume a racing position MBI values were significantly increased in motogp riders. Ocular surface test demonstrated increased values of NIBUT. After a full race no symptoms were reported and no signs of ocular surface inflammation were detected. Retina and RNFL values were comparable to normal subjects.
Conclusions :
Professional motorsport athletes showed interesting ocular surface behavior. We expected signs of dry eye and /or ocular surface inflammation but we could not observe them even after a full race. The MBI values and the lack of ocular surface changes are possibly explained with specific central nervous system control. Retina and nerve fiber layer are not modified by sport performance in these athletes.
This is a 2020 ARVO Annual Meeting abstract.