Pickleball and Eye Protection: Celebrating Sports Eye Safety Month

April is Sports Eye Safety Month, and while we typically think about eye protection in labs or construction zones, there’s another place where our eyes are unexpectedly at risk: the pickleball court.

Yes, you read that right—pickleball, the fast-growing sport loved by grandparents, teens, and everyone in between. It’s fun, social, and easy to learn—but also comes with its share of unexpected injuries, including those involving the eyes.

Why Talk Eye Safety in Sports?

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, over 30,000 sports-related eye injuries are treated in the U.S. each year—and 90% of them could have been prevented with protective eyewear.

With sports like pickleball gaining popularity, particularly among adults over 40, many could be susceptible to eye injuries. Unlike racquetball and squash, pickleball doesn’t require protective eyewear for players at any skill level. However, wearing eye protection can lower the risk of blunt trauma injuries caused by balls or paddles, which may result in scratched corneas, fractured orbital bones, or even permanent vision loss.

Why Pickleball Players Are at Risk

Small Court, Fast Game: With players just 14 feet from the net, there’s little reaction time if a ball is accidentally lobbed at your face.
High-Speed Hits: A pickleball can travel at speeds up to 40 mph.
Paddle Proximity: In doubles matches, paddles can swing unexpectedly close to a partner’s face.
Growing Demographic: Players over 50 are more likely to experience slower reaction times or preexisting vision issues, increasing the risk of injury.

Eye Protection: More Than Just Sunglasses

Sure, those trendy shades might cut the glare, but they aren’t impact-resistant. If you’re playing pickleball—or any sport involving flying objects—it’s important to wear polycarbonate sports goggles or safety-rated glasses with:

ASTM F3164-24 – (American Society for Testing and Materials(ASTM))
UV protection
A snug but comfortable fit
Optional anti-fog lenses for humid days

For those who already wear prescription lenses, prescription sports goggles are an excellent option. Your optometrist can help you find a pair that keeps your vision sharp and your eyes protected.

Fun fact: Polycarbonate lenses are 10 times as impact-resistant than plastic or glass lenses—without sacrificing clarity.

What to Do If You Get Hit in the Eye

If you’re hit in the eye while playing pickleball and experience vision changes, vision loss, significant pain, bleeding, or bruising, it’s important to see an ophthalmologist right away. When in doubt after an eye injury, always consult your doctor for guidance.

Be Proactive—Not Reactive

Celebrating Sports Eye Safety Month is about creating awareness and encouraging simple, proactive steps. Whether you’re a seasoned pickleball champ or a weekend warrior, investing in proper eye protection is a small step that can prevent a life-changing injury.

Need help choosing sports eyewear? Schedule a visit with one of our optometrist—they can fit you with the right protection for your game and your goals.