Why More Pro Pickleball Players Are Choosing Protective Eyewear
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As pickleball continues to surge in popularity, professional players are increasingly adopting protective eyewear for pickleball to safeguard their vision and enhance performance. This shift reflects a growing awareness of the risks associated with the sport's fast-paced nature and the importance of high-performance pickleball sunglasses that blend protection and comfort.
The Rising Importance of Eye Protection
A recent article from The Dink Pickleball highlights how the sport’s rapid growth has led to an increase in pickleball-related eye injuries. Because players stand close to the net and the ball travels at high speeds, even a slight misjudgment can lead to serious impacts.
According to Dr. Andrew G. Lee, a respected ophthalmologist at Baylor College of Medicine, pickleball is now a common cause of eye trauma—including retinal detachment and, in extreme cases, permanent vision loss. That’s why eye protection isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Professional Endorsements
Top pros like Anna Leigh Waters and sisters Mary and Maggie Brascia are leading the charge when it comes to wearing sports eyewear on court. Anna Leigh initially wore glasses for vision correction but quickly realized the additional benefit of glare protection and visual clarity. The Brascias have spoken out about how eyewear gives them peace of mind as the sport gets faster and more physical.
In fact, Pickleball.com’s feature on eyewear for pros highlights how leading athletes are calling for more players—amateur and elite—to take eye safety seriously.
Benefits Beyond Protection
Eyewear isn’t just about avoiding injury—it’s about elevating performance. Here’s how:
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Enhanced Visibility: Specialized lens tints help with contrast on the court and improve depth perception.
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UV Protection: Outdoor play requires strong UV-blocking sunglasses to prevent long-term eye damage.
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Anti-Glare Coating: Helps players track the ball clearly, even on sunny courts. Read more in our blog: How Glare Affects Your Pickleball Game (and the Solution).
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Impact Resistance: Durable, shatterproof lenses (like our Rippled X Pickleball Sunglasses) prevent eye trauma from ricocheted balls.
Choosing the Right Eyewear
While the shift toward eyewear is clear, not all sunglasses are built for pickleball. Many players make critical buying mistakes that compromise both safety and performance.
If you're looking to upgrade your court gear, start by reading: 7 Things to Avoid When Shopping for Pickleball Eyewear. It covers everything from lens distortion to poor fit—mistakes even experienced players make.
Final Thoughts
The message from the pros is clear: if you're serious about protecting your vision and playing at your best, protective eyewear is a must-have—not a nice-to-have. With the right pair of non-prescription pickleball sunglasses, you'll not only guard your eyes, but also gain a real edge in performance.
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