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Lucy Bronze: A New Vision for the Game

The 2023 World Cup proved to be a turning point for Lucy Bronze, England’s most decorated player. Throughout her illustrious career, Bronze faced persistent issues with contact lenses, culminating in a significant challenge during the tournament in Australia. When her contact lenses began to dry out, she realized it was time for a change.

“I ordered some more lenses, but they ended up being the wrong brand. Given that we were in Australia, it was difficult to find familiar products from England. During one match, my eyes were incredibly itchy and watery,” she shared.

After weighing her options, she made a decision that would transform her experience on the pitch. “At the end of the tournament, I thought to myself, I can’t keep dealing with this. While I was initially apprehensive about laser-eye surgery due to the potential risks, learning that the procedure is reversible provided me with peace of mind.” Bronze expressed relief and gratitude for her newfound clarity, stating, “It sounds crazy, but it has made such a big difference.”

What is EVO ICL?

EVO ICL, or EVO Implantable Collamer Lens, is a revolutionary lens approved by both CE and FDA designed for individuals struggling with distance vision, offering them a chance to live without glasses or contact lenses. It is also suitable for those with long-sighted vision through the Visian ICL lens.

During her winter break, Bronze underwent the procedure to implant a Collamer lens, a biocompatible solution that requires no removal of corneal tissue. She completed the process in less than an hour, and as she walked out of the clinic, she immediately noticed the difference: “I could see clearly.” The fact that a player of her caliber faced such challenges due to vision issues highlights the perseverance she maintained throughout her career.

Reflecting on her past struggles, she recounted a particularly memorable incident while playing for Liverpool. “There was a game against Bristol that has become a bit of a legend. After undergoing my surgery, our captain Gemma Bonner joked, ‘No more contact lenses falling out during matches,'” she recalled. In that match, a lens was lost after a clash, forcing her to play with one eye for a stretch of time. “I remember running up and down the sideline, having the physios fetch my spare lens from my bag,” she laughed.

The issue of her vision dominated her thoughts on the field, with Bronze admitting, “It was more devastating for me to forget my contact lenses than my football boots. When you can’t see properly, the stress is substantial.” Although fans may not have recognized any issues, for Bronze, the clarity has made a stark difference in her performance. “Seeing the game unfold around me is so much clearer now. I realize I should have made this change much earlier in my life, perhaps in my twenties,” she shared.

In her early years, Bronze built a reputation on her physicality, becoming known for her powerful runs from the right back position. She was a Ballon d’Or runner-up to Megan Rapinoe in 2019. Reflecting on the evolution of her game, she mentioned, “I initially relied on my physical attributes, which remain an asset, but I’ve come to appreciate that it’s actually the brain and vision that drive the game.”

Recognizing a shift in football philosophy, she pointed out that while physical prowess was once seen as paramount, tactical intelligence and vision are now more crucial. “Thiago Silva is a prime example. Despite losing a bit of his pace, his understanding of the game allows him to continue excelling,” she stated.

Bronze acknowledged that her understanding of football has matured, particularly during her time at Manchester City, where she was encouraged to take on a more central midfield role. “Playing in midfield forces you to scan the game, to be more aware. The best midfielders may not be the fastest or most technically gifted; they’re the ones who can read and anticipate the game best,” she noted.

Her tenure with Barcelona further enhanced her adaptability, as she often switched between positions, playing both defensively and in more attacking roles. “As I matured, I wanted to become less predictable. I moved beyond being a straight-line player,” she explained.

Now at 33, Bronze reflects on her responsibilities on the pitch, emphasizing her desire to enhance team performance as well. When asked if her adjustments were aimed at prolonging her career, she confidently stated, “I believe it has already had that effect.” With a clear determination, she emphasized her commitment to continuous improvement. “I’m focused on recovery. I consider it essential to sustain my level,” she noted.

Known for her commitment to recovery methods, Bronze describes herself as “overly obsessed” with ice baths, often installing them wherever she stays. “I’ve always been serious about recovery, but in the last couple of years, it has intensified. I’m inspired by athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo, who has maintained peak condition well into his career,” she explained.

Reflecting on her earlier training habits, she acknowledged that a more balanced approach is necessary now. “In the past, I pushed myself too hard. I would ignore the signs and ended up with injuries that sidelined me for longer than necessary. Now, I understand the importance of recognizing when to take a step back,” she said.

Following a recent injury, she recognized the need for caution, resulting in a quicker recovery than in previous instances. “This time it was a matter of days instead of weeks. That’s one of the significant changes; it comes with experience,” she concluded.

Whether through advanced recovery strategies, evolving her tactical approach, or embracing modern solutions such as implantable lenses, Lucy Bronze exemplifies a relentless drive to maintain her competitive edge in the world of football.

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