Over the past few years, pickleball has exploded in popularity across all age groups, with packed courts, competitive leagues, and surprisingly fast-paced play. As more people jump in, especially beginners who underestimate the speed and reaction time involved, injuries are bound to happen — particularly to the eyes. There has been a 4x increase in pickleball ER visits from a couple of hundred to over 1,000 in 2024. Pickleball has one of the highest rates of eye injuries as players are positioned so close to one another, especially during doubles play. A deflected ball can reach someone’s face in a fraction of a second, often faster than the blink reflex can protect the eye.
Eye injuries from pickleball are very real and very preventable. A direct hit from the ball or paddle can cause corneal abrasions, swelling, bleeding, and in more severe cases, retinal tears or detachments.
These aren’t just minor inconveniences—they can lead to significant pain and even permanent vision loss. The fix is simple: wear protective sports eyewear. Polycarbonate lenses are about 10 times more impact-resistant than standard plastic lenses, making them ideal for fast-moving balls and close-range paddle strikes. Even better, polycarbonate lenses naturally block 100% of UV rays, are lightweight, and less likely to shatter on impact. If you already wear glasses, prescription polycarbonate sports eyewear lets you see clearly without sacrificing protection.
If you ever experience an eye injury while playing or simply want to be proactive about protecting your vision, reach out to your eye care professional.
