Lucy Bronze, the renowned footballer known for her powerful play from right-back, has taken a significant step to address a persistent issue that has dogged her illustrious career. Recently, she underwent eye surgery to implant a Collamer lens by EVO between her iris and natural crystalline lens. This procedure aims to help her vision, which has been hampered by contact lens issues throughout her career. The need for surgery became particularly pressing during the World Cup in 2023, where the dry environment in Australia exacerbated her difficulties with contact lenses.
Bronze's reliance on physical attributes and powerful runs had been her trademark since her early days in football. However, as she matured in her career, the limitations imposed by her vision problems became more apparent. Her physical prowess once compensated for these issues, but as she noted, "It is kind of a shift in football at the minute. Everyone used to think of physical attributes as the key to everything. But actually, it is your brain, your vision, how you see the game quickly, see every angle, that is more important than physical output."
The decision to undergo surgery marks another chapter in Bronze's ongoing effort to stay at the top of the game. Known for her willingness to try new things, she has embraced various techniques and strategies to prolong her career. These include changes in her approach to training and recovery, such as becoming "overly obsessed" with ice baths, which she installs wherever she lives. Her commitment to recovery also involves being open to new technologies like implantable lenses.
During the World Cup in 2023, Bronze's contact lens issues reached a critical point. The dry climate of Australia intensified her struggles, impacting her performance on the field. Reflecting on past experiences, she recounted a memorable incident: "I lost a lens in a header when a girl accidentally brushed my eye. I was up and down the touchline, taking throws, telling the physios, 'The spare is in my wash bag, under the bench, in the front pocket'." She humorously added, "They finally got it but I played with one eye for 10 minutes."
This latest surgical intervention is part of Bronze's broader strategy to adapt her game as she advances in age. She has made tactical adjustments to remain competitive and continues to explore innovative recovery techniques between games. Her adaptability is driven by a strong desire to remain at the pinnacle of football.
Bronze's career has been marked by numerous accolades and achievements. She was the Ballon d'Or runner-up to Megan Rapinoe in 2019 and has consistently been recognized as an elite player. Yet, despite past successes, she acknowledges the importance of evolving both physically and mentally to sustain her performance levels.
In recent years, Bronze has embraced a more measured approach to training. Reflecting on past practices, she observed, "Maybe I overtrained when I was younger. You could never stop me. That is the only reason I picked up injuries in the past." Her current mindset emphasizes balance and recovery. "For me now, it is about not being afraid to take a step back," she said. "People think you are weak because of it. That is always the perception."
This shift in mindset has proven beneficial for Bronze. After sustaining an injury recently, she opted for a more cautious approach. "When I picked up an injury recently, I managed to stop myself," she explained. "Thankfully, the injury only turned out to be seven days, whereas if I had pushed myself, it could have been seven weeks." This change underscores the wisdom gained through experience.
Bronze's commitment to improving her vision also highlights her understanding of the game's evolving nature. She remarked, "I always appreciated that side of the game but never thought I could make it something I was really good at until towards the end of my career." Her efforts underscore a shift within football towards valuing cognitive skills alongside physical abilities.
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