The Hidden Cause of Performance Slumps (And Why You’re Probably Not Measuring It)

If you’ve ever watched a world-class athlete suddenly hit a wall, mechanics solid, conditioning strong, but performance drifting, you’ve likely seen visual fatigue in action.

In this episode, we unpack the hidden factor behind unexplained slumps and why what (and how) an athlete sees may be the first domino to fall.

Because here’s the truth: Every elite action starts with perception.

And when perception degrades, even slightly, performance can’t stay stable.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:

1. Performance starts with perception. If visual processing drops, performance follows.
2. Visual fatigue is invisible and cumulative. It builds through stress, travel, and cognitive load.
3. There’s a tipping point (~37%). After that, decline becomes measurable.
4. Many slumps are misdiagnosed. It’s often physiology, not psychology.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

1. 00:43 - Symptoms Not Causes
2. 01:23 - Brain Over Body
3. 01:57 - Seeing Costs Energy
4. 02:31 - Visual Fatigue Revealed
5. 03:09 - The 37 Percent Rule
6. 04:05 - Disguise and Cascade
7. 05:10 - Reframing Performance
8. 05:39 - Measure It or Miss It

HELPFUL RESOURCES:

1. Sports Vision NYC
2. Connect with Dr. Laby on Instagram
3. Pick Up a Copy of Eye of the Champion
4. Download The Ultimate Sports Vision Guide for Athletes [FREE]

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to Sports Vision Radio so you never miss an episode on the science of peak performance.