28 Jan LASIK Plays Key Role In Kearse’s Rise To Superbowl XLVIII
Seattle Seahawks Fullback Derrick Coleman, 23, of Los Angeles, made headlines recently for overcoming a hearing impairment. His story culminated in a very touching and inspirational Duracell commercial documenting his rise to the NFL. By now, you’ve probably had a chance to see the spot. But, did you know that his teammate, Receiver and Special Team standout, Jermaine Kearse, has a similar story of overcoming obstacles to achieve his full potential in the very same competitive sport?
Sports writer Bob Condotta reported that early in Kearse’s career as a Husky at the University of Washington, when he spoke about needing to “focus more” on an irritating habit of dropping too many passes, he literally meant what he was saying. In his second year as a Seahawk, Kearse divulged that he wore glasses for years and often wore contacts while playing as a Husky.
Kearse never cited his vision as the main reason for dropping a few easy passes early on in his career; however, after electing to have LASIK during the offseason, it is difficult not to make the connection.
Coach Pete Carroll, who has been a big supporter of Kearse, has been quoted by Terry Blount of ESPN as saying that Kearse’s LASIK surgery made a big difference in his game. “He’s been terrific since the surgery, to tell you the truth,” Carroll has said. “He has made great catches, one right after another, and has continued to impress us.”
“I don’t really drop the ball much anymore,” Kearse said, explaining that surgery “has helped a lot. I don’t have to deal with my contacts being all blurry.” He reports that his improved 20-15 vision has enabled him to see things he hadn’t in years.
Recognizing his improving game, coach Carroll made it a point to provide Kearse with more opportunities to perform. A strong threat to the opposing team, he can play at almost every position if needed. In the NFC Championship Game, his potential was realized by millions when he caught a 35-yard touchdown pass from Russell Wilson that put Seattle in Super Bowl XLVIII.
Kearse’s story is not unlike many patients who become interested in LASIK as a necessity–patients who have become contact lens intolerant, or just find that glasses and/or contacts are complicating their active lifestyle. Dr. Mark Sheklian explained the freedom he now enjoys after his Bladeless LASIK procedure with Dr. Del Negro: “I can enjoy swimming and running and my other activities without my contacts drying out, or falling out.”
If you are interested in reaching your full visual potential and enjoying your active lifestyle, call us at 732-774-5566 x239 for a complimentary LASIK Evaluation. Discover if you are a candidate and make plans to see the world more clearly.
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