Safety Eyewear in Pickleball: A growing number of pickleball players are turning to protective eyewear after experiencing painful injuries on the court. Soren Morales, a 52-year-old from Miami, suffered an eye injury on January 22, 2024, when a ball struck his right eye during a doubles match. His doctor diagnosed a scratched cornea and advised him to wear protective glasses or goggles moving forward.
She also mentioned that she has seen more patients with eye injuries lately, and it’s all due to pickleball.” – (Morales)
A Firsthand Look at the Risks
Morales, originally from Nicaragua, recalled how the unexpected hit caused him to collapse in pain.
“I went down like somebody had knocked me out.” – (Morales)
Now, he never plays without protective eyewear and urges others to do the same.
“If you don’t do it, you are putting your eyes at risk. You may not think that eye injuries happen, but there are plenty of videos online that show players getting hit in the face.” – (Morales)
Professional players are also speaking out about the importance of eye protection. Bobbi Oshiro, a top-ranked pickleball player, learned the hard way when she accidentally hit herself in the left eye with a ball.
“Fortunately, I was OK. But it was very painful.” – (Oshiro)
After that experience, she committed to wearing protective glasses.
“Since then, I always wear them, and that’s the best decision I’ve ever made on a pickleball court.” – (Oshiro)
Choosing the Right Eyewear
Many sporting goods stores sell protective eyewear, with options ranging from budget-friendly choices to high-end models. Oshiro wears Joola-brand eyewear, while other brands, such as Head, offer affordable alternatives.
When playing indoors, experts recommend clear glasses with an anti-reflective coating to minimize glare. For outdoor games, tinted lenses provide additional sun protection.
“Outdoors, they act like sunglasses and can help protect you from the harmful effects of the sun. It also enhances your vision of the ball – kind of makes it appear bigger.” – (Oshiro)
Future of Pickleball Safety
As paddle technology advances, players are hitting the ball with increased speed and force, leading to more injuries. Oshiro has noticed a rise in women wearing protective eyewear but hopes more men will follow suit.
“I 100-percent recommend protective eyewear. Forgetting your protective eyewear could be dangerous. I forgot that day, and look what happened.” – (Oshiro)
With more players speaking out, the push for safety gear in pickleball continues to surge. Whether playing recreationally or competitively, wearing protective eyewear could prevent serious injuries and keep the game enjoyable for everyone.
News in Brief: Safety Eyewear in Pickleball
Pickleball players are turning to protective eyewear after injuries on the court. Soren Morales and pro player Bobbi Oshiro suffered painful eye accidents, prompting them to wear safety glasses. Experts recommend using protective eyewear to prevent injuries, especially as pickleball paddles improve and shots become more powerful.
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