Anthony Davis Embraces Protective Glasses in Post-Surgery Lifestyle Adjustment

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Anthony Davis Embraces Protective Glasses in Post-Surgery Lifestyle Adjustment

Anthony Davis is adapting to a new phase in his basketball career after undergoing surgery on his right eye. Following a procedure to repair a detached retina, doctors have mandated that he wear protective glasses while playing. This adjustment comes as he starts his preseason with the Dallas Mavericks.

Embracing a New Look: Protective Glasses Post-Surgery

In a preseason game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 6, 2023, Davis quickly demonstrated his readiness for the season by hitting a three-pointer just minutes into the match. He has begun to feel more comfortable in his Oakley eyewear, a significant shift from his previous reluctance to wear glasses.

Early Performance This Season

  • In his first week with the Mavericks, Davis found shooting with the glasses to be manageable.
  • Despite a tough loss to the Charlotte Hornets, he excelled in a following game against the Utah Jazz, scoring 25 points, securing 6 rebounds, and making 2 steals and blocks in just 25 minutes.

Davis noted, “Nowadays, they don’t fall down. They are pretty tight,” when discussing the new eyewear. His hesitation to wear glasses in the past was due to concerns about comfort and visibility.

Recovery and Medical Insight

The impact of his eye surgery is still being evaluated. Dr. Richard Toyos, an ophthalmologist, highlighted that recovery from a detached retina can depend significantly on whether the macula was affected. While details about the condition of Davis’s macula remain unclear, it’s noted that if it were intact, he might have a smoother recovery.

  • Patients with a macula-on retinal detachment usually undergo surgery within 24 hours to preserve central vision.
  • A macula-off condition may not require immediate intervention, as central vision is already compromised.

Davis was advised to avoid intense physical activities for a month post-surgery. He managed to practice shooting with the glasses during the offseason and only returned to full-court play just before Mavericks training camp.

Weight and Preparation for the Season

Davis reported a weight of 268 pounds at the start of training camp, which is slightly heavier than the previous season. “I lose about 10 to 12 pounds very quickly,” he remarked, indicating his strategy to enter the season above his ideal playing weight.

Previous Eye Injuries

Before his recent surgery, Davis had minor injuries to his left eye. He had previously declined to wear protective eyewear, stating, “I don’t want to, and the doctor said I didn’t have to.” However, this latest incident led to a change in direction.

Acknowledging Protective Eyewear’s Necessity

Learning from other professionals in the league, such as Amar’e Stoudemire, who also wore glasses post-retina surgery, Davis is now committed to his new look. Stoudemire’s experience included overcoming significant challenges during recovery, a journey Davis now faces.

While this change is significant, Davis expresses a playful confidence, noting he anticipates possibly breaking his glasses during games due to the physicality of basketball. “But I have a lot of backups,” he assured, showing readiness for the season ahead.