Why Pickleball Players Need to Wear Eye Protection
Pickleball is celebrated as one of the most accessible, low-impact sports. Yet, as the game has exploded in popularity, it has quietly developed a serious safety problem: a sharp rise in eye injuries.
Recent medical data shows that the number of eye injuries related to pickleball has surged, often due to the unique physics of the game. For anyone who steps onto the court, understanding this risk and taking the simple step to mitigate it, is now non-negotiable.
The Alarming Data on Ocular Injuries
Studies published in journals like JAMA Ophthalmology have noted an alarming increase in pickleball-related eye trauma over the last few years. While the sport is generally safer for the knees and joints than tennis or basketball, the close proximity of players and the speed of the ball create a high-risk scenario for the eyes.
Injuries often result in visits to the emergency room for issues ranging from periocular lacerations (cuts around the eye) and corneal abrasions to more serious conditions like orbital fractures and, in rare cases, retinal detachment.
Why Pickleball is a High-Risk Sport for Eyes
The danger comes down to a few factors specific to the pickleball court:
Close Proximity: Unlike tennis, the pickleball court is small, and all four players frequently crowd the Non-Volley Zone (the "Kitchen"). When players are only seven feet apart at the net, the time to react to a sudden shot is minimal.
Paddle Speed: Although the ball slows down after contact with the paddle, the ball can still reach speeds over 40 mph during aggressive volleys and drives.
The Direct Hit: Because the paddle is typically held near eye-level when guarding the net, there is a clear, open path for a ball or an errant paddle to strike an unprotected eye. Medical reports indicate that nearly half of pickleball eye injuries result from a direct hit from the ball.
The Unprotected Zone: While many sports (like racquetball or squash) mandate eye protection, pickleball currently does not. This leads to a false sense of security among casual players who assume the game is too slow to cause serious harm.
The Simple Solution: Investing in Protective Eyewear
Fortunately, the risk of serious injury can be virtually eliminated with one simple piece of equipment: protective eyewear.
You don't need clunky safety glasses; modern options are comfortable, lightweight, and engineered specifically for court sports.
What to Look For:
Impact Resistance: Ensure the eyewear meets safety standards, such as those set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM F803). This certification guarantees the lenses can withstand the impact of a pickleball traveling at high speed.
Polycarbonate Lenses: These lenses offer superior impact resistance compared to standard plastic or glass.
Visibility and Fit: Choose glasses that offer a clear field of vision and fit securely on your face without slipping during fast movements.
Making Protection the New Normal
Professional pickleball players and coaches are now strongly urging players at all levels to adopt protective eyewear as standard practice. It’s an investment in your health that allows you to focus completely on the game without the psychological or physical risk of injury.
