Pickleball is an exhilarating and dynamic sport played on a compact court with a low net, blending the best aspects of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. With its straightforward rules and social nature, this game offers a fantastic opportunity to maintain fitness, stay active, and forge new connections with fellow players.
That said, to enjoy the game to the fullest, we have to protect ourselves adequately. One often overlooked aspect of pickleball is the importance of wearing proper eye protection. While it may be tempting to wear your everyday glasses while playing, doing so can actually increase the risk of injury.
Safety First: Why Wear Protective Eyewear When Playing Pickleball?
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, sports-related eye injuries are among the leading causes of blindness in children and adults in the United States. With sports like pickleball, there is a higher risk of injury due to the nature of the game and the equipment used.
In many cases, the ball itself can cause injury to your eyes. A hard-hit ball or accidental collision can result in a range of injuries, from minor scratches to more severe trauma, like a detached retina or a fractured eye socket.
Additionally, players risk potential injuries from the paddle used to hit the ball or collisions with their playing partners. This is especially risky for children as paddle strikes to the face or eyes can cause cuts, bruises, and even fractures to the cheekbones or skull.
The Benefits of Wearing Protective Eyewear
Fortunately, sports eyewear is crafted from highly shock-resistant materials such as plastic or polycarbonate, with rubber padding at every point where they come into contact with the face. Some frame designs are even contoured to wrap around the face, providing secure coverage for intense sporting activities.
Protective lenses are commonly made from polycarbonate, a highly durable and impact-resistant material that offers complete UV protection for outdoor play. Additionally, polycarbonate lenses are scratch-resistant and ideal for high-intensity action on the court.
Some protective eyewear options even include features such as anti-glare lenses or adjustable straps for a comfortable and customized fit for adults and children alike. Similarly, it’s valuable to note that proper sizing is crucial to ensure your or your child's sports goggles function optimally.
Enhanced Visual Clarity for Better Performance
Want to raise your game? Wearing protective eyewear can actually be a huge boost to your pickleball performance. Sports goggles don’t just protect your eyes; they also provide enhanced visibility, allowing players to better track the ball and anticipate their opponent's moves. Talk about a major advantage, right?
What’s more, not only do sports goggles offer better protection and enhance visibility than everyday glasses, but they are also designed to stay securely on your face during physical activity. This means you can focus on the game at hand without worrying about your eyewear falling off or interfering with your performance.
The Risks of Everyday Glasses While Playing Pickleball
One of the biggest issues with wearing regular glasses during physical activity is that they are not designed to withstand impact. While they may be sufficient for everyday wear, they are not equipped to handle the force of a ball or paddle strike during a game.
Another concern is that regular glasses can actually shatter upon impact, or slip off your face in the middle of a rally!
Enjoy Every Moment of the Game with Rosato Family Eyecare
Wearing protective eyewear on the court isn't just a matter of personal preference or “looking the part” — it's the smart thing to do.
With the high risk of injury, why take chances when it comes to protecting your eyes? Just as you would only play pickleball with the proper shoes or apparel, it's also necessary to protect your eyes.
In general, eye protection is necessary for practicing all types of sporting activities. It’s also crucial to ensure your children’s eyes are protected to keep them safe from harm.
Get in touch with Rosato Family Eyecare in Rosato Family Eyecare to invest in the right eye protection for you and your active family members!
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