The risk is real—and growing
Pickleball’s explosion has come with a sharp uptick in eye injuries, from corneal abrasions to orbital fractures and even retinal detachments. A new analysis of emergency-department data published in JAMA Ophthalmology documents a pronounced rise, especially since 2022, as millions more players take up the sport. Medical Xpress
Coverage across ophthalmology outlets echoes the trend, noting the absence of a mandate for eye protection despite rising trauma among players—most commonly ages 50+. Ophthalmology Times
Consumer science outlets summarizing the study point to ball and paddle impacts as the leading causes, aggravated by tight court spacing and rapid exchanges near the kitchen. Live Science
What the experts already recommend
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) has long advised shatter-resistant polycarbonate sports eyewear for racquet sports. Polycarbonate is light, impact-resistant, and purpose-built for high-velocity projectiles. American Academy of Ophthalmology
Vision-safety nonprofits like Prevent Blindness recommend choosing eye guards labeled ASTM F803 for sports—because the standard tests impact, lens retention, and frame integrity under sport-like hits. Prevent Blindness
Standards 101: Sport vs. workplace
Confused by ASTM F803 vs. ANSI Z87? ASTM F803 is designed for sports impacts (balls, paddles, elbows) and emphasizes lens retention and frame integrity. ANSI Z87 targets workplace hazards like dust and chemicals. For court play, ASTM F803 is the relevant benchmark. libertysport.com
Where the rulebook stands (and where it may go)
While there’s no current USA Pickleball mandate, formal proposals exist to require ASTM or ANSI/ISEA Z87 protective eyewear in sanctioned events—evidence that the standards conversation is active. USA Pickleball Rules
Why seeing the ball sooner = safety
Many injuries happen in fast kitchen exchanges. Enhancing ball visibility buys reaction time—reducing last-second flinches that lead to facial or eye contact. (That’s why contrast-boosting, fog-resistant sport optics matter.) Summary reporting on the new data repeatedly ties injuries to split-second misreads or deflections. Live Science
The Dink difference: protection + ColorBoost vision
-
Impact-resistant lenses & wrap coverage: Built for sport—lightweight, shatter-resistant protection. (See AAO guidance.) American Academy of Ophthalmology
-
ColorBoost™ tints: Contrast-tuned for yellow-green balls against sky, foliage, and acrylic courts to help you recognize the ball earlier.
-
Anti-fog & wide FOV: Clear optics during hot points; uninterrupted periphery to track poaches.
-
RX-ready: Prescription impact-resistant options so you never sacrifice clarity.
Shop the lineup: Daytona Pro · Daytona Petite · RX Program
Sources
JAMA Ophthalmology coverage; AAO guidance; Prevent Blindness; Ophthalmology Times; LiveScience. Live Science+4Medical Xpress+4American Academy of Ophthalmology+4
