Top 7 Pickleball Injuries You Can Prevent with Proper Eyewear

Pickleball is an exhilarating sport that combines fast reflexes, precision, and strategy. However, with the rapid movements and intense gameplay, it’s also a sport that comes with risks—especially when it comes to eye injuries. Whether it’s from a fast-moving ball, a paddle swing, or even debris, the eyes are vulnerable to a range of injuries that can disrupt your game and impact your health.

At Blinded Wear Co., we understand the importance of eye protection for pickleball players. In this guide, we’ll discuss the top 7 pickleball injuries that proper eyewear can prevent, and why investing in the right pair of pickleball sunglasses can safeguard your eyes, improve your performance, and give you peace of mind on the court.

1. Eye Scratches

A common but painful injury in pickleball, eye scratches occur when a flying ball, a paddle swing, or even a stray finger comes into direct contact with your eye. These scratches can be minor but still cause irritation and potential long-term damage if left untreated.

How Eyewear Helps:

  • Shatterproof lenses protect against accidental strikes.

  • Shields your eyes from debris, wind, and sudden impacts.

Prevention Tip: Opt for pickleball sunglasses with impact-resistant lenses to minimize the risk of scratches while playing.

2. Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment is one of the most serious injuries that can occur in any sport, including pickleball. This occurs when the retina, the layer of tissue at the back of the eye, detaches from the blood vessels supporting it. This can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated immediately.

How Eyewear Helps:

  • High-quality pickleball sunglasses reduce the chances of blunt force trauma to the face and eyes.

  • A snug fit prevents accidental debris or objects from striking the eye area.

Protection Tip: Wearing protective eyewear during intense games can help prevent the physical trauma that can lead to retinal detachment.

3. Corneal Abrasions

Corneal abrasions happen when the thin outer layer of your cornea gets scratched by a foreign object. In pickleball, a fast ball or the edge of a paddle can cause this painful injury.

How Eyewear Helps:

  • Protective eyewear provides an added barrier against fast-moving pickleballs and paddles.

  • Prevents small particles like dust or dirt from coming into contact with the cornea, which could cause abrasions.

Prevention Tip: Prescription pickleball sunglasses can offer clear vision while adding protection, so you don't have to worry about injury from unexpected impacts.

4. UV Damage

While playing outdoors in the sun, you’re exposed to harmful UV rays that can lead to serious eye conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and even corneal damage over time.

How Eyewear Helps:

  • All of our pickleball sunglasses offer 100% UV protection, shielding your eyes from harmful rays.

  • Sunglasses with proper UV protection reduce glare and improve visibility, giving you a competitive edge.

Protection Tip: Always opt for eyewear with UV400 lenses to ensure maximum protection from harmful UV rays.

5. Blunt Force Trauma

While pickleball is generally a non-contact sport, players can still sustain injuries from errant balls or paddles. A ball coming at high speed can cause bruising or damage to the delicate skin around the eyes and even lead to internal injuries like eye contusions.

How Eyewear Helps:

  • Durable, high-impact lenses act as a shield against flying pickleballs and errant paddles.

  • Eyewear designed specifically for pickleball will absorb shock and protect the face from trauma.

Prevention Tip: Look for sunglasses with a wraparound design for extra protection against side impacts and high-speed balls.

6. Foreign Objects in the Eye

Pickleball is often played outdoors, where small debris, dust, or even insects can find their way into your eyes. This can cause discomfort and potential injury if not addressed quickly.

How Eyewear Helps:

  • Sunglasses or protective eyewear keep out dust, dirt, and other foreign objects.

  • They also prevent sweat from dripping into your eyes, which could cause irritation or injury during long matches.

Prevention Tip: Choose eyewear with anti-fog lenses to ensure clear vision and comfort, especially in warm conditions.

7. Eye Infections

When playing in close proximity to others, there’s a higher risk of transferring bacteria or viruses, especially if sweat or dirt gets into the eyes. Protective eyewear minimizes this risk by acting as a barrier between your eyes and the external environment.

How Eyewear Helps:

  • Prevents sweat, dirt, and bacteria from making contact with your eyes.

  • Reduces the chance of transferring infections during intense gameplay.

Protection Tip: Always clean your eyewear regularly, especially after each match, to avoid any potential buildup of harmful bacteria.

How to Choose the Right Eyewear for Pickleball

When selecting your pickleball eyewear, keep these key features in mind:

  • Lens Type: Look for lenses with UV protection, anti-glare properties, and impact resistance.

  • Fit: Make sure your eyewear fits securely to prevent slipping during fast movements.

  • Durability: Choose high-quality materials that can withstand the rigors of the game.

  • Prescription Options: If you need vision correction, opt for prescription pickleball sunglasses that offer both protection and clarity.

Explore our collection of pickleball sunglasses for both prescription and non-prescription options that combine safety and performance.

Why Choose Blinded Wear Co.?

At Blinded Wear Co., we’re committed to providing top-quality pickleball sunglasses that keep your eyes safe, comfortable, and performing at their best. Whether you need prescription lenses or prefer non-prescription sunglasses, our eyewear is designed for optimal protection, style, and performance on the court.

  • High-Impact Lenses: Designed to withstand the challenges of pickleball, protecting your eyes from injury.

  • Stylish & Functional: Choose from a variety of sleek and comfortable designs that complement your playing style.

  • Peace of Mind: Our Protection Plan & Returns ensures your investment is safe.

Related Resources

For more insights on why eye protection in pickleball is a must, check out this Forbes article on pickleball injuries. Additionally, learn more about protecting your eyes during pickleball games on our blog.

Final Thoughts

Pickleball injuries are often unavoidable, but with the right precautions, you can minimize the risk of eye-related injuries. Protecting your eyes with pickleball sunglasses or protective eyewear can prevent everything from minor scratches to serious retinal damage, ensuring that you can keep your focus where it belongs—on the game.

Browse our collection of pickleball sunglasses here, and consider our Protection Plan for added peace of mind. Stay safe, stay protected, and play your best game with confidence!

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