There’s nothing like that satisfying pop of a perfect dink or the rush of a clean winner down the line… until you take a screaming ball straight to the face.
If you’ve been playing pickleball for any length of time, you’ve probably witnessed the sickening moment when someone gets nailed in the face by a ball. It’s a terrifying moment as everyone holds their breath and waits to see if the player’s ok.
Here’s the reality: your eyes are more vulnerable on the pickleball court than you think, and it’s time we start treating protective eyewear like we do our tennis shoes: absolutely essential.
Pickleball Eye Injuries are on the Rise
As participation in pickleball has surged 158% over three years, eye injuries from the sport are climbing right alongside it.
While eye injuries make up only 0.5% of pickleball injuries overall, the cases that do occur can be devastating.
But here’s what makes these statistics especially troubling: 90% of serious eye injuries in sports could be prevented with appropriate protective eyewear, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Why Pickleball is Uniquely Dangerous for Your Eyes
Think pickleball is “safer” than tennis or racquetball? Think again. The sport’s unique characteristics actually create a perfect storm for eye injuries:
Speed vs. Distance = Trouble
A pickleball can travel at 40 mph, and when players are positioned just 14 feet apart at the no-volley line, it takes less than half a second for the ball to travel from one paddle to another.
“A lot of people stand very close to the net when they’re playing pickleball,” says Dr.Raj K Maturi. “A ball directed to the eye can come faster than you have time to reflexively react to, causing significant vision impairment.”
The 65+ Factor
About 15% of pickleball players are 65 and older, a demographic particularly vulnerable to eye injuries due to slower reflexes and pre-existing vision conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. Add in the fact that three out of four pickleball injuries since 2018 have involved individuals aged 55-75, and you start to see the scope of the problem.
It’s Not Just the Ball
While direct ball strikes seem like the most obvious cause of pickleball eye injuries, paddle-to-face hits pose a threat as well. In the tight quarters around the kitchen, accidental paddle swings from doubles partners happen more often than you think.
Real Cases, Real Consequences
The medical research community is filled with pickleball eye injury case studies, and they’re not pretty:
- A 47-year-old male suffered a severe hyphema (blood in the front of the eye) and dangerously elevated eye pressure of 62 mmHg after taking a ball to the face
- Multiple cases of retinal tears in middle-aged myopic women, including one requiring laser surgery to prevent permanent vision loss
- Angle recession and commotio retinae (retinal bruising) that can lead to long-term vision problems
Dr. Andrew G. Lee, chair of the Blanton Eye Institute at Houston Methodist, puts it bluntly: “While pickleball is generally considered to be a safe sport due to its non-contact nature, the risk of eye injuries cannot be overlooked. The high velocity of the ball and small court poses a significant risk for eye injuries.”
The Unprotected Majority
Here’s the kicker: no protective eyewear is currently mandated for pickleball at any level.
Compare that to similar racket sports like squash and racquetball, which have mandatory eyewear rules across various levels of play.
In pickleball, most recreational players show up with the right paddle, proper court shoes, moisture-wicking shirts… and completely naked eyes.
What You Need to Know About Protective Eyewear
The Gold Standard: Polycarbonate Lenses
Polycarbonate plastic lenses are ideal because they minimize the risk of shattering on impact and provide 20 times more protection than regular glasses. Look for wrap-around styles that provide maximum coverage from all angles.
Key Features to Look For:
- Impact resistance: ANSI Z87.1 certification
- 100% UV protection: Essential for outdoor play
- Anti-fog coating: Keeps vision clear during intense rallies
- Wrap-around design: Protects from peripheral impacts
- Prescription compatibility: Many brands offer prescription options
OMBRAZ: Leading Innovation in Pickleball Eyewear
When it comes to combining protection with performance, brands like OMBRAZ are setting the standard. Their innovative armless design solves common problems that keep players from wearing protective eyewear consistently: no slipping, no bouncing, no pressure points behind the ears, and no breakage from dropped glasses.
OMBRAZ’s approach addresses the real barriers to eye protection: their wrap-around cord system keeps glasses secure during the most intense rallies, while their Zeiss lenses provide both optical clarity and impact protection.
For players who’ve avoided protective eyewear because traditional frames felt uncomfortable or insecure, OMBRAZ offers a game-changing alternative.
Check out our full review of OMBRAZ.
The Bottom Line: Your Vision is Irreplaceable
Look, we get it. Adding another piece of gear feels like a hassle. You’ve played hundreds of games without incident. You’ve got “good reflexes.”
But here’s the thing: Your paddle skills can improve. Your fitness can get better. Your strategy can evolve.
Your vision, once damaged, might not.
If you’re ready to protect your eyes, here’s how to get started:
- Visit an eye care professional for proper fitting, especially if you need prescription lenses
- Choose polycarbonate lenses with wrap-around protection
- Look for sports-specific features like anti-fog coatings and adjustable straps
- Consider leading brands like OMBRAZ that specialize in active eyewear
- Make it non-negotiable, just like you wouldn’t play barefoot
The investment in quality protective pickleball eyewear is minimal compared to the potential cost of eye surgery, lost vision, or months away from the courts you love.
Because in pickleball, as in life, some shots you just can’t afford to take.
