Anthony Davis Adapts to Goggles After Eye Surgery in NBA Preseason

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Anthony Davis showcased his skills once again during the Dallas Mavericks‘ preseason opener on Oct. 6, despite undergoing offseason surgery for a detached retina in his right eye. Just three minutes into the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Davis nailed a 3-pointer from 26 feet.

Following the surgery, doctors advised Davis to wear protective glasses for the remainder of his NBA career. He has adjusted surprisingly well to his new Oakley eyewear, stating that it has become ‘pretty easy’ to wear them.

Davis’ journey with the goggles has not been entirely smooth. In a game against the Charlotte Hornets, he struggled, but he recovered two nights later, scoring 25 points alongside six rebounds, two steals, and two blocks in a win over the Utah Jazz. ‘There’s really no adjustment,’ Davis remarked about the eyewear. ‘Nowadays, they don’t fall down. They are pretty tight.’

According to Dr. Richard Toyos, an ophthalmologist, recovery from a detached retina can vary depending on whether the macula was affected. The macula is crucial for sharp vision. Dr. Toyos indicated that a faster recovery is possible for patients with a macula-on detachment. However, the specific details of Davis’ condition remain unclear.

Davis resumed basketball activities slowly and only began playing competitive games shortly before the Mavericks’ training camp. He reported that he has gained weight, coming in at 268 pounds, but has already shed some during training.

Previously, Davis faced minor injuries to his left eye but did not consider eyewear until now. ‘I don’t want to, and the doctor said I didn’t have to,’ he had stated before his latest injury.

His most recent injury occurred during a game against the Atlanta Hawks in April when he was accidentally elbowed by teammate Daniel Gafford. Davis later played through the pain, contributing to a crucial win.

Davis is not the first NBA player to be required to wear protective eyewear after eye surgery. Amar’e Stoudemire faced a similar situation in 2009, which caused him to miss parts of a season. Stoudemire highlighted the intensity of his recovery, detailing the hardships of resting in a reclined position during his recovery.

As Anthony Davis adapts to wearing goggles, he acknowledges the inevitability of breakage due to the physicality of the game. ‘But I have a lot of backups,’ he joked, indicating his readiness for the season ahead.