CARLTON big man Shaun Hampson has revealed that he had laser eye surgery during the off-season after problems seeing the ball, especially during night games.

The 23-year-old told the Herald Sun that he is now focussing on having a bigger impact in marking contests.

"I was short-sighted, so I struggled with things in the distance," Hampson said.

"And at night, I really struggled.

"But I have noticed since the surgery that at night it is much better.

"I've got perfect vision now. Now it's just a matter of practising marking until my hands fall off."

Hampson said he turned to surgery on the suggestion of coach Brett Ratten after other remedies failed.

"They tried to get me into [contacts] but they weren't working for me," he said.

"I would get a lot of glare from the lights, so I looked at the possibility of laser, which was a suggestion from 'Ratts', which he has had done.

"It helped his footy quite a lot."

Hampson played nine games in 2011, taking his career tally to 44, before succumbing to a knee injury in round 13.

He pressed his claims for a spot in the Blues' finals line-up with some strong performances for the Northern Bullants at season's end, but was overlooked.

Now the former No.17 NAB AFL Draft pick plans to establish himself in Carlton's forward line.

"This year they definitely want me more as a forward and to pinch-hit in the ruck," he said.

Blues football manager Andrew McKay said the club was hopeful that Hampson's improved eyesight would enable him to elevate his game.

"Hopefully it will help his marking ability and help his footy full stop," McKay told radio station 1116 SEN on Tuesday morning.

"It was more long distance stuff…he can see it once it gets closer, but obviously you need that judgement when it's coming from 55 metres away to be able to run up and get a leap at the ball and take a grab.

"So certainly it should help a bit, but I think he's been working on his technique and things as well, which probably will help a bit more."