Pickleball has a reputation as an easy, safe sport, but in fast exchanges at the net the ball flies past at close range to your eyes. Eye injuries have been reported overseas, and wearing protective eyewear is recommended. This article covers why eye protection matters and how to choose the right eyewear.
In This Article
- Why eye protection matters in pickleball
- The types of protective eyewear and how they differ
- What to check when choosing a pair
- Options for people who wear glasses or contacts
Why eye protection is necessary
A pickleball is hard plastic, and volleys and smashes at the net come off faster than you would expect. The court is small and your opponent is close, so there are times when you cannot react to a ball heading for your face. Contact with paddles or with your partner is not out of the question either. The eyes are irreplaceable, and a serious injury can leave lasting damage. That is why this is gear to cover before anything else. For the overall approach to equipment, seeBeginner's Guide: Gear to Buy First.
Types of protective eyewear
Eyewear used for pickleball comes in three broad types. Choose according to what you need.
| Type | Features | Who It's Suited To |
|---|---|---|
| Protective glasses (sports goggles) | Impact-resistant lenses shield the eyes from balls coming head-on or from the side | Players who put safety first, or who play mainly indoors |
| Sports sunglasses | Cut UV and glare while also offering protection | Players who are outdoors often |
| Prescription-ready models | Combine vision correction with protection | People who normally wear glasses |
Four points for choosing a pair
Choose on looks alone and you will regret it on protection or playability. Check the following four points.
- Lens material: polycarbonate, with its high impact resistance, is the safe choice. It is less likely to break into flying fragments
- Fit: it should not shift when you move. Try the nose pads and arms to see whether it suits your face
- Anti-fog: ventilation and an anti-fog coating keep your view clear through sweat and heat
- Lens tint: clear lenses work best indoors, while a tint that cuts glare is easier to see through outdoors
- Safety standards and shape: a product that meets an impact standard for racket sports (such as ASTM F803) gives you far more confidence. A wraparound shape that covers the sides, or a strap that stops it slipping, also helps with balls coming in from the side
Choosing between indoor and outdoor use
Your playing environment changes the choice too. Indoors, clear lenses are the default because the ball shows up well under the lights. Outdoors, sunlight and glare off the court make a sunglasses type more comfortable by cutting brightness and UV. If you play both indoors and out, models with interchangeable lenses, or photochromic lenses that darken outdoors in response to UV and lighten again indoors, are worth considering. Indoor and outdoor balls also look different, soHow to choose the ballis worth reading alongside this to set up a comfortable environment.
Options for glasses and contact lens wearers
If you normally wear glasses, prescription-ready sports eyewear or an over-glasses type that fits over your own frames is convenient. Note that everyday glasses do not meet impact standards and are not protective gear as they are. Contact lens wearers can use ordinary protective glasses or sunglasses as they are, though outdoors a snug shape guards against dryness and keeps your eyes from tiring. Dryness or slipping blurs your view and breaks your concentration, so a good fit pays off the longer you play. For comfort in what you wear, seeClothing Guideis also worth a look.
Summary
A hard ball flies at close range in pickleball, so eye protection is a high priority. Pick impact-resistant polycarbonate that stays put and resists fogging, and match it to indoor or outdoor conditions. Glasses wearers can cover both needs with prescription lenses or over-glasses. To get ready to enjoy the game safely for years,how to choose shoesis worth reading alongside this so you can prepare with confidence.
FAQ
Q1: Is eye protection really necessary in pickleball?
A1: It is recommended. A hard plastic ball flies at close range near the net, and you cannot always react to one heading for your face. Eye injuries have been reported overseas.
Q2: Can I use ordinary sunglasses instead?
A2: Lenses without impact resistance can shatter and become dangerous. Choose a sports model made from an impact-resistant material such as polycarbonate.
Q3: Do I need eyewear indoors too?
A3: Indoors the ball still flies at close range, and there is a risk of contact. With no glare to deal with, clear-lens protective glasses are the better fit.
Q4: I wear glasses. What should I do?
A4: Prescription-ready sports eyewear, or over-glasses worn on top of your frames, is convenient. Either covers both vision correction and protection.
Q5: My lenses fog up and I cannot see well.
A5: Choose a model with ventilation or an anti-fog coating. Sweat and heat build up less, so your view stays clear during play.
Related Articles Worth Reading
- A Beginner's Guide to Pickleball | The First Gear to Get and How to Choose It
- How to choose pickleball shoes and get it right the first time
- How to choose a pickleball ball | The differences between indoor and outdoor and a comparison of major brands
- A pickleball clothing guide: tips for choosing wear that plays comfortably
- How to choose a pickleball bag or case | Recommendations chosen by storage capacity and functionality
Related Articles
