What Happens if You Don’t Wear Eye Protection Playing Pickleball?
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Pickleball is fast-paced, competitive, and fun—but it’s not without risk. As the sport surges in popularity, so does the number of preventable eye injuries. If you’ve been skipping protective eyewear on the court, this post is your wake-up call.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, more than 40% of racquet sport eye injuries involve trauma that could have been prevented with proper eyewear. And yes—pickleball is included in that category. The reality? One unlucky bounce or paddle swing could cause serious, sometimes permanent, vision damage.
The Real Risks: Eye Injuries in Pickleball
A pickleball travels up to 40–50 mph. Combine that with a cramped court, fast reflexes, and swinging paddles, and you’ve got a recipe for potential eye trauma. Common injuries include:
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Corneal abrasions
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Hyphemas (bleeding in the eye)
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Orbital fractures
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Detached retinas
Most of these incidents happen in doubles play, where the pace and proximity make accidental hits more likely. Our blog, 5 Reasons Every Pickleball Player Needs Eye Protection, outlines even more scenarios players often overlook.
“It Won’t Happen to Me”—Until It Does
One of the most common things we hear from players is, “I’ve played for years and never needed glasses.” But as we explore in Why You Should Always Wear Eye Protection When Playing Pickleball, injury doesn’t give you a warning. It takes just one accidental ricochet or overhead to change your vision permanently.
We also broke down the Top 7 Pickleball Injuries You Can Prevent with Proper Eyewear, and eye injuries ranked higher than most people expect. Yet, unlike knee or shoulder issues, they’re completely preventable.
What Kind of Eyewear Actually Protects You?
Not all glasses are created equal. Sunglasses or readers from the pharmacy aisle won’t cut it. Protective pickleball eyewear should include:
✅ Impact resistance
✅ Wraparound design for coverage
✅ Anti-fog coating and ventilation
✅ Secure fit that stays put during fast movement
At Blinded Wear Co., we build eyewear specifically for pickleball athletes. Our prescription and non-prescription models feature high-index optics, anti-scratch coatings, and frames tested to withstand serious impact—all without polarized distortion that can mess with depth perception on the court.
The Long-Term Cost of “Just Skipping Glasses Today”
Aside from the physical risk, eye injuries can result in:
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Thousands in medical bills
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Lost playing time (or permanent withdrawal)
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Long-term vision complications
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Emotional impact—especially for lifelong athletes
Considering the cost of a quality pair of sports glasses versus even a minor ER visit, it’s a no-brainer.
Don’t Wait for the “Close Call”
If you’ve ever dodged a paddle mid-point or taken a wild bounce to the temple, take it as your warning. Protective eyewear isn’t just gear—it’s your safeguard. Designed by athletes, for athletes, our lineup at Blinded Wear Co. gives you elite-level protection and performance, without sacrificing style or comfort.
Protect your vision before it’s too late. Explore our full range of high-performance pickleball eyewear here.
Final Thoughts
The best pickleball players don’t just train smart—they play smart. Wearing proper eyewear isn’t a burden—it’s a badge of a serious athlete. Stay safe. Stay sharp. Stay in the game.