Eye protection for pickleball

Why protect your eyes

Pickleball is a close-range game. At the kitchen line, players stand only 14 feet apart, since each non-volley zone extends 7 feet from the net. Fast hands battles, speed-ups and overheads can send a hard plastic ball at a player's face with very little time to react. A paddle can also hit a partner during a middle ball or a scramble.

Researchers have tracked a rise in pickleball eye injuries as the sport has grown. A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology in 2025, using national emergency department data, reported that most injured players were 50 or older. Injuries ranged from scratches to the cornea and bruising around the eye to serious problems such as retinal detachment and orbital fractures.

Eye protection is not required by the USA Pickleball rulebook for recreational or tournament play. It is a personal choice, but eye care professionals encourage players to consider it.

Who may benefit most

Anyone can be hit in the eye, but some players have more reason to think about protection:

• Players who spend a lot of time at the kitchen, where reaction time is shortest.
• Players in fast games with frequent speed-ups and drives.
• Older players, who make up a large share of reported injuries.
• Players who have had eye surgery or eye conditions, who should ask their eye doctor for advice.
• Newer players, who are still learning to keep the paddle up and track the ball.

The racket sports standard

ASTM International publishes ASTM F3164, a standard specification for eye protectors for racket sports. The 2024 revision added pickleball, so it now covers racquetball, squash, tennis and pickleball. The standard sets requirements for impact resistance of lenses and frames and for optics, and it applies to both non-prescription and prescription eyewear.

When you shop for eyewear, look for products that say they are tested to this standard, and check the product listing or packaging for the exact standard name.

What to look for

These general features help you compare options without relying on brand claims.

Lens

• Impact-resistant material. Polycarbonate and similar materials are commonly used in protective eyewear.
• Clear optics without distortion when you look toward the edges.
• Tint for the setting. Clear or lightly tinted lenses for indoor courts; darker lenses for bright outdoor courts. Some players prefer lenses that boost contrast so the ball stands out.
• Anti-fog features if you play in humid or hot conditions.

Frame and fit

• Wraparound coverage that protects from the side as well as the front.
• A secure fit that stays in place when you lunge, split-step and look up for lobs.
• Comfort points: soft nose pads, temple arms or a strap that does not press too hard.
• Ventilation to reduce fogging.
• Room for your field of vision. You should be able to see the ball at your feet and overhead without the frame getting in the way.

Prescription options

• Prescription sports eyewear built to a sports standard.
• Inserts that sit behind a protective lens.
• Contact lenses worn under non-prescription protective eyewear.

Your eye care professional can help you choose.

Getting used to eyewear

Eyewear can feel strange at first. Many players adjust within a few sessions.

1. Wear it during warm-ups and drills before using it in games.
2. Practice tracking lobs and low balls so you get used to the frame edges.
3. Keep a cloth handy for sweat and smudges.
4. Try an anti-fog spray or wipe made for eyewear if fogging is a problem.

Habits that lower your risk

Eyewear helps, but so does how you play.

• Keep your paddle up in the ready position at the kitchen. It acts as a shield and lets you react sooner.
• Watch the ball, not your opponent's paddle face, so you can track speed-ups.
• Call middle balls early to avoid paddle collisions with your partner. See communication.
• Do not turn your back on an opponent who is about to hit an overhead. Turn sideways, keep your paddle up, and protect your face if needed.
• Speed up with good judgment. Firing at an opponent's face from close range on a ball that is not attackable is poor etiquette. See etiquette.
• Avoid hitting balls on adjacent courts and call "ball" when a stray ball rolls onto a court.

If you are hit in the eye

Any eye injury deserves attention.

• Stop playing.
• Do not rub or press on the eye.
• Seek prompt care from an eye care professional or urgent care, especially if you notice vision changes, flashes of light, new floaters, a shadow or curtain in your vision, severe pain or bleeding.
• For serious injuries, go to an emergency room or call 911.

Sources

• ASTM: Eye protector standard revision adds pickleball (F3164)
• Review of Optometry: Surge in pickleball correlated with increased rate of eye injury
• USA Pickleball 2026 Official Rulebook