Eye Protection in Pickleball

by Dr. Laurie Capogna, Optometrist

Did you know that 90 percent of sports eye injuries are preventable?

Wearing sports eye protection is the best way to protect your eyes from injury. This is particularly important during pickleball as it has been estimated that the ball can travel up to 64 km/h during a serve. In addition, it can take less than half a second for the ball to travel from one paddle to another — particularly during a fire-fight at the non-volley zone!

Fast hands, or maneuvering your body out of the way when a ball comes toward your head, may have saved your eye in the past. However, wearing sport safety glasses will offer more consistent protection and give you the confidence you need to hold your ground at the non-volley zone so that you can have longer rallies, work on your resets and improve your game.

What can happen to your eyes if you get hit in the eye during a pickleball game?

Being hit in the eye with either a pickleball or a paddle can cause severe eye injuries including retinal detachments and dislocation of the crystalline lens in the eye. These injuries would require ocular surgery and could lead to permanent vision loss.

Other injuries include bruising around the eye, orbital bone injury and corneal abrasions, where the surface of the eye gets scratched by a pickleball. These can be extremely painful and have the potential to have lasting effects.

People who are nearsighted or have had previous eye surgery are at a higher risk of injury.

If you are hit in the eye while playing pickleball, I recommend scheduling an appointment with your optometrist — particularly if you experience pain, bruising, decreased vision, flashes or floaters.

What protective eyewear do you recommend?

The best protective eye wear is polycarbonate or Trivex safety glasses with both front and side coverage. You can get these in non-prescription or prescription glasses. Wearing your regular glasses on the court is better than not wearing any glasses at all, however, a proper safety sports frame and lenses will provide the best protection.

Even if you have a small prescription to help you see in the distance, you may benefit from wearing prescription glasses with an anti-glare coating while playing. This can help you track the ball and see the lines better. You can also get safety sunglasses for outdoor play.

In conclusion:

Wearing proper sports glasses while playing pickleball will help you to maintain healthy, injury free eyes and give you confidence that can help improve your game. I look forward to seeing you on the courts soon!

Remember — keep your eye on the ball, protect your eyes, and stay out of the kitchen.

Club Member Dr. Laurie Capogna is an optometrist and owner of Eye Wellness in Niagara Falls. She has authored three books including Eyefoods: The Complete Guide to Eye Health and Nutrition. Her mission is to inspire and educate eye care professionals and the public about the power of ocular nutrition and prevention of eye disease and injury.