✏️ Updated: October 26, 2024

Wearing protective eyewear in a fast-paced, confined space, such as a squash court, is second nature to me. However, there was a time when I thought it was unnecessary. Then, I met a player who’d lost an eye to a stray squash ball. His advice completely changed my perspective  – I’d rather deal with a little inconvenience than risk my eyesight.

When I picked up pickleball, I didn’t feel the need to wear safety glasses on the court. But after a few close calls, I started wearing protective pickleball eyewear! At higher skill levels, the game’s speed and strategic body shots increase the risk of eye injuries. It’s a risk I’m no longer willing to take.

Now, I get it, pickleball and squash are different beasts. You don’t have walls to contend with, and players don’t crowd the same side of the court. But pickleball is evolving; it’s a dynamic game that’s getting faster. The laid-back style focused on dinks and slow shots is just one facet of modern play. Tennis influences are becoming more obvious, with power drives, speedups, and targeted overheads often directed at your body.

Getting hit by a pickleball is no picnic. At higher skill levels, reflexes are paramount. Strategic body shots are part of the game. While losing a point might be your concern, a hard overhead that hits your face puts much more than your score at risk. If you’ve had near misses, it’s time to consider protective pickleball eyewear.

Beginners and Seniors Should Prioritize Safety

Let’s be real, players new to pickleball have less control over their shots. While most players have no intent to hurt you, they may not be skilled enough to take pace off a shot or hit the ball at your feet. Players will attack loose, loopy shots. If your reflexes are slow or you don’t anticipate your opponent’s shot, you may not be able to defend it or get out of the way. With beginners and seniors flooding the courts, the chances of an eye injury from a pickleball are on the rise. For newer players and older folks, safety should be a priority. 

Think of safety goggles as insurance for your vision.

How You Might Take a Pickleball to the Eye

Here are just a few ways an errant pickleball can hit your face.

Accidental paddle deflections: They happen, from both your own paddle and your partner’s.

Collisions: When two or more players chase the same shot, things can get chaotic.

Targeted body shots: Drives, speedups, and overheads are often deliberately aimed your way.

Powerful paddles: Modern equipment means balls fly off the paddle face even faster.

“But I don’t see anyone else wearing them…”

It’s true, the majority of players don’t wear protective eyewear for pickleball. Here are some common reasons players skip the pickleball eyewear, and why those arguments don’t hold up:

“Pickleball is a slow, safe game.” Not anymore! The sport is evolving, and so should your safety awareness.

“Protective lenses are uncomfortable.” It takes some adjustment, but modern protective eyewear is designed for comfort, and it beats the alternative. 

“My glasses fog up.” Many protective glasses have anti-fog coatings and ample airflow – it’s worth finding a pair that works for you.

“My club doesn’t require them.” Don’t wait for rules to protect yourself. Unlike sports like racquetball, clubs often don’t mandate eyewear, but that’s no excuse to be lax on safety.

What to look for in pickleball eyewear

Impact Resistance: Choose lenses made from material designed to withstand the impact of a fast-moving pickleball.

UV Protection: Look for glasses that block UVA and UVB rays to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful radiation.

Anti-Fog Coating: This special coating prevents condensation from forming on the lenses, ensuring clear vision in humid conditions or during intense play.

Ventilation: Look for glasses with vents or air channels to reduce fogging.

Anti-Scratch Coating: Protects your lenses from scratches, maintaining optical clarity and extending the life of your glasses.

Wrap-Around Design: Provides side protection from errant pickleballs and blocks peripheral glare.

Comfortable Fit: Choose glasses with adjustable nose pads and temples for a secure and comfortable fit that won’t slip during play.

How much should you pay for pickleball eyewear?

Pickleball goggles come in a range of prices to suit different budgets. You can find basic, functional glasses starting around $20.  For more advanced features like premium anti-fog coatings, superior scratch resistance,  and stylish designs, expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $60 or more. You can find them at racquet sports equipment manufacturers ’websites, sports stores, and e-commerce sites such as Amazon.

Eyes are Irreplaceable: Prevention is Key

We’re talking about your eyesight, folks. No point, no match, no championship is worth such a risk. While pickleball injuries can happen anywhere on your body, many are minor compared to losing your vision. Sure, this may sound like fear-mongering. However, it’s a low-cost decision that may prove to be an eye-saver. 

Taking proactive steps and investing in quality protective eyewear is a simple decision that could have a lifetime of benefits. Don’t wait for an accident to happen before you do something about it.

So, do you wear protective pickleball eyewear? Let me know your thoughts in the comments section.