Warnings About Pickleball Eye Injuries—and How to Protect Yourself

Pickleball is exploding in popularity, but so are the injury reports—especially those involving eye trauma.

Ophthalmologists are now sounding the alarm: the risk of eye injury in pickleball is real, and growing fast.

Whether you're new to the game or a tournament-level player, understanding these risks is essential—and so is taking action to protect your vision.


⚠️ The Alarming Rise of Pickleball-Related Eye Injuries

According to Pickleball Union, eye injuries are one of the most commonly overlooked risks in the sport. From direct paddle hits to high-velocity ball impacts, even casual play can lead to:

  • Corneal abrasions

  • Retinal damage

  • Orbital fractures

  • Temporary or permanent vision loss

A recent report by New Retinal Physician highlights the growing number of retinal detachments and internal eye trauma linked to pickleball mishaps—often because players aren’t wearing any eye protection at all.


👁️ Why You Need Eye Protection—Now More Than Ever

Let’s break it down: A pickleball can travel up to 40–50 mph in rec play—and much faster in competitive matches. Getting hit in the face is more than just painful—it can cause serious, lasting damage to your eyes.

Here’s what you risk without protective eyewear:

  • High-impact hits from a ball or paddle

  • UV damage from long hours on outdoor courts

  • Dust, debris, and sweat getting into your eyes mid-play

  • Foggy vision that leads to missteps—and accidents


🛡️ The Best Defense: Pickleball Glasses by Blinded Wear Co.

At Blinded Wear Co., we don’t just design sunglasses—we design safety-focused, performance-ready eyewear for serious pickleball players.

Explore our store: Blinded Wear Co. Pickleball Eyewear

Here’s how we help you stay protected:

Impact-Resistant Frames

Built to absorb and deflect contact from balls, paddles, or accidental collisions—without cracking or breaking mid-match.

Non-Polarized Lenses for Court Clarity

Preserve your depth perception so you can react faster and reduce the chance of getting hit in the first place.

UV400 Sun Protection

Block out harmful UVA/UVB rays during long outdoor play sessions to prevent long-term damage like photokeratitis or macular degeneration.

Fog-Free Tech

No more wiping lenses between rallies. Our anti-fog coating and breathable designs keep your vision clear, even when the match heats up.


🧠 Smart Pickleball Safety Starts with Your Eyes

You wear court shoes to avoid ankle injuries. You stretch to avoid muscle strain. So why risk a preventable eye injury when the fix is simple?

Protective eyewear is no longer optional—it’s essential.

And with Blinded Wear Co., you don’t have to sacrifice performance or style to stay safe.


🎯 Quick Tips to Avoid Pickleball Eye Injuries

  1. Wear sport-specific eyewear, even during casual games

  2. Skip polarized lenses—they interfere with ball tracking

  3. Look for UV400 and impact-rated protection

  4. Ensure a snug, secure fit with no slip or bounce

  5. Replace scratched or worn lenses immediately

  6. Don’t assume regular sunglasses are enough—they’re not


🏁 Final Thoughts: Your Eyes Are Worth Protecting

With more players on the court than ever, now’s the time to upgrade your gear—and that includes your eyewear.

👉 Browse the full Blinded Wear Co. Pickleball Collection to find lightweight, impact-resistant sunglasses designed to enhance your game and protect your eyes.

Don't wait until an injury sidelines you.

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