As pickleball gets more popular, so do the risks that come with faster games and new paddle technology.
One of the areas where we can improve safety is eye protection.
Pickleball is a low contact sport, but it can still cause eye injuries from the speed of the ball, unexpected deflections and intense kitchen line rallies.
You need to protect your eyes, not just for advanced players but for beginners too.
This article will cover why you need to wear pickleball glasses, options like sunglasses, clear lenses and even glasses without lenses and the types of eye injuries you can avoid with the right prescription and protection.
We will also cover how to choose the best safety glasses for pickleball so you can be safe and perform better on court.
Playing Pickleball Without Eye Protection is a Recipe for Disaster
Playing pickleball without eye protection is a disaster waiting to happen. The fast game involves quick movements, high speed balls and close range play, it’s a high risk activity for eye injuries.
Without eye protection, players are more likely to get eye injuries, black eyes, retina tears lighting conditions that can threaten vision and even permanent vision loss.
In fact the American Academy of Ophthalmology says pickleball is one of the top sports for eye injuries, many of which require surgery or result in permanent vision loss.
Wearing the best pickleball safety glasses or goggles can reduce the risk of eye injuries and have a safe game.
Why Do I Need the Best Pickleball Eye Protection?
Pickleball doesn’t seem to be a sport that requires protective eyewear at first glance but the fast pace and competitiveness of the game tells a different story.
The ball is light but can still cause serious damage if it hits the eye.
Players are close to each other, especially during fast exchanges at the kitchen line.
And with new paddle technology, balls are being hit faster and harder than ever before, more injuries are possible.
Lens coating on protective eyewear can improve eye protection by increasing visibility and comfort so you can see the ball better and your ability to react faster.
Eye injuries in pickleball can be from minor bruises to serious damage like retinal detachment or even blindness in extreme cases.
A mis-hit or an unexpected deflection off a partner’s paddle can turn a fun game into an emergency situation.
Here’s a closer look at some common injury scenarios and why eye protection is important.
Common Eye Injury Scenarios in Pickleball
Ricochet Off a Partner’s Paddle: In doubles pickleball, players are close to each other. A ball can ricochet off a partner’s paddle unexpectedly and sometimes with force. These deflections can happen in a split second and without eye protection the eyes are exposed. Non-prescription lenses are an option for players who don’t need vision correction so they can be safe during the game.
Kitchen Line Battles: The kitchen line is where most of the action happens. Fast volleys and hand-to-hand battles occur here and players are close to each other. The risk of a ball or even a paddle hitting the eye is high. The speed of the game at the kitchen line especially with new faster paddles makes protective glasses a good choice.
Overhead Smashes: In pickleball the ball is hit high in the air and often results to overhead smashes. While these shots are aimed at the ground, mistakes happen and sometimes the ball is accidentally hit towards another player’s face. Overhead smashes to the eye can be very dangerous because the ball is traveling at high speed.
Head-On Hand Battles: During a competitive game there can be intense exchanges at close range where players are battling for the ball with quick movements. Opponents are close to each other and the speed of the game makes it easy to lose control and accidentally hit the eye with the paddle or ball.
Injuries That Can Be Prevented
Protective glasses can prevent several types of injuries that can happen during a pickleball game. Here are some of the most common sports glasses used:
Corneal Abrasions: A corneal abrasion occurs when the outermost layer of the eye, the cornea, gets scratched. This can happen from direct impact by the ball, dirt or other debris that may fly into the eye during play. Glasses creates a barrier that protects the cornea from foreign objects.
Orbital Fractures: An orbital fracture is a break in one of the bones surrounding the eye, usually caused by a direct hit from a fast moving object. In pickleball, a ball or even a paddle can hit the face with enough force to cause this injury. Protective eyewear can absorb the impact and reduce the risk of fractures.
Retinal Detachment: Though rare, retinal detachment is a serious condition that can occur when the retina is pulled away from its normal position at the back of the eye, usually due to trauma. A strong blow to the eye, like a pickleball hit at high speed, can cause this injury. Protective glasses, especially those with shatterproof lenses, can significantly reduce the risk.
Hyphema: A hyphema occurs when blood pools in the front part of the eye, usually after a blunt trauma injury. A ball or paddle strike to the eye can cause this type of injury and lead to pain and vision problems. Glasses with strong frames can prevent blunt force injuries.
For players who need vision correction, prescription lenses do both vision correction and eye protection and prevent serious injuries.
Pickleball Eyewear Features
When choosing the best pickleball eyewear, here are the key features to look for.
First and foremost, look for eyewear that meets the ASTM F803 standard, which means the lenses can withstand high impact.
Also, look for polycarbonate lenses, they are lightweight, impact resistant and provide great optical clarity.
A good pair of pickleball glasses should also have a comfortable and secure fit, with features like rubber grips and adjustable nose pads.
Finally, look for eyewear with anti-fog coating, anti-scratch coating and mirror lenses to enhance performance and reduce glare.
Prescription Pickleball Glasses: A Game Changer for Players with Vision Correction
For players with vision correction, prescription pickleball glasses is a game changer. These perfect pair of glasses combines the benefits of corrective lenses with the safety features of sports eyewear, clear vision and eye protection.
Prescription pickleball glasses can be customized with various lens options, polarized lenses, transition lenses and mirror lenses.
Also, many prescription pickleball glasses are designed perfect fit, with sports specific features like wrap around frames and rubber grips to ensure a secure and comfortable fit during play.
Types of Pickleball Glasses: Finding the Right One for Prescription Pickleball Glasses
There are several options when it comes to protective eyewear for the pickleball player, and choosing the right one depends on personal preferences and playing conditions. Whether you need clear or tinted lenses, there’s one for you.
Here are some of the best:
Sunglasses: For outdoor pickleball, sunglasses are a no brainer. They protect your eyes from UV rays and from stray balls and paddles. Look for sunglasses with impact resistant lenses which can provide extra protection in case of unexpected hits. Polarized lenses can also reduce glare on sunny days and improve visibility during play.
Features:
UV protection
Polarized lenses
Impact resistant
Good For:
Outdoor games where sun exposure is a concern
Players who want eye protection without sacrificing style
Clear Lenses: If you’re playing indoors or under low light conditions, clear lenses are the way to go. These glasses have the same protection as sunglasses without the tint, so you have maximum visibility on the court. Many clear lenses are made from polycarbonate, a shatterproof material that can withstand high impact, perfect for pickleball.
Features:
Shatterproof lenses
Lightweight frames
Anti-fog coating (for indoor play)
Good For:
Indoor play or low light conditions
Players looking for high impact protection
For players with vision correction, prescription safety glasses is a must. These glasses combines vision correction and impact protection, clear vision and eye safety during play.
Glasses Without Lenses: Some players prefer glasses without lenses, especially if they want the protection without any distortion or fogging that comes with lenses. Frames without lenses still provide a physical barrier that can prevent direct impact to the eyes. These are used by players who don’t need vision correction but want to avoid injuries from stray balls or paddles.
Features:
Lightweight frames
Flexible and comfortable to wear
No lens related fogging or distortion
Good For:
Players who want basic protection without lenses
Those who find standard glasses uncomfortable or distracting
Lens Technology
Lens technology is key to performance in the pickleball courts.
The best pickleball glasses have lenses with advanced technology like anti-reflective coating, anti-fog coating and mirror lenses.
These technology reduces glare, and light transmission improves optical clarity and visual acuity so players can react faster and make more accurate shots.
Some pickleball glasses also have transition lenses that adjusts to adjust to changing light conditions so you can have optimal vision indoor and outdoor.
By getting the best pickleball glasses with advanced lens technology, players can have an even competitive edge and improve overall performance.
Other Things to Consider When Choosing Pickleball Safety Glasses
While protection is the main reason to wear pickleball glasses, here are a few more things to consider to make sure safety glasses is comfortable and effective on the pickleball court.
Fit and Comfort: Glasses should fit snugly but not too tight. Look for options with adjustable nose pads or flexible frames that will conform to your face during long games.
Anti-Fog Coating: For players who play indoors or in humid conditions, fogging can be a problem. Many protective lenses come with anti-fog coating that will prevent this from happening, so you can have clear vision throughout the match.
Ventilation: Some glasses have built-in ventilation to keep air circulating around the lenses and reduce fogging. This is especially helpful during intense rallies when your body heat is at its peak.
Style: Just because you’re prioritizing safety doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. Many brands offer sporty designs that will protect your eyes and enhance your overall look on court. For players who need vision correction, prescription sunglasses is a great option, clear vision and UV protection and stylish too.
Summary
As pickleball becomes a faster and more competitive sport, protecting your eyes with the right gear is a must.
Whether you choose sunglasses for outdoor play, clear lenses for indoor games or frames without lenses, wearing protective eyewear can prevent serious injuries from ricochets, kitchen line battles and powerful smashes.
Get quality pickleball glasses so you can play pickleball safely and with confidence.
So next time you hit the court, don’t forget to gear up—not just your paddle but your sports eye protection too!