Why 50+ players need a smarter kit
The new JAMA Ophthalmology study and follow-on coverage show players 50 and older make up the majority of pickleball eye injuries—largely from ball strikes, paddle contact, and falls in crowded exchanges. Live Science+1
Ophthalmology press emphasizes that severe cases can include retinal detachment, orbital fracture, hyphema, and globe injury, underscoring the need for purpose-built protection. Ophthalmology Times
What to wear (and why)
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Impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses: The AAO’s baseline recommendation for racquet sports due to strength-to-weight advantages. American Academy of Ophthalmology
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ASTM F803-informed design: Sport-appropriate coverage and lens retention for glancing blows. Safety orgs point consumers to ASTM labeling for sport eyewear. Prevent Blindness
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Wide, wrap field of view: Help track cross-court poaches without head bobbing—key for reaction-time savings.
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Anti-fog + hydrophobic: Fog is a safety issue—it kills contrast, slows recognition, and spikes mishits.
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RX-ready: If you need prescription optics, choose impact-resistant RX so you don’t trade protection for clarity.
Why contrast matters even more as we age
Contrast sensitivity can decline with age, so contrast-tuned tints are a practical way to keep ball visibility high outdoors (foliage/sky/crowds). Paired with fog control and wide FOV, they help you see the ball earlier and avoid last-second flinches—consistent with the injury mechanisms highlighted in the 2025 data summaries. Live Science
Keep the health benefits—ditch the risk
Apple’s Heart & Movement Study celebrates pickleball’s health and activity benefits. Wearing proper eyewear means you can enjoy those sessions with less risk of an eye injury forcing time off. Apple+1
Your upgrade path:
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Outdoor league play → ColorBoost Outdoor on Daytona Pro or Daytona Petite
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Indoor rec play → Clear/low-tint anti-fog
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Need RX → Impact-resistant RX via our RX Program
Sources
JAMA Ophthalmology reporting (trend + mechanisms), Ophthalmology Times (severity + demographics), AAO sports eyewear guidance, Prevent Blindness ASTM guidance, Apple’s AHMS (health benefits). appleheartandmovementstudy.bwh.harvard.edu+6Medical Xpress+6Live Science+6
