Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in America — and one of the fastest-moving. What started as a friendly backyard game has evolved into a power sport where reflex volleys at the kitchen line can reach speeds over 40 mph. That evolution has brought an important conversation to the forefront: eye protection.
As the game gets faster, more players are realizing the risk of unprotected eyes. Tournament directors and coaches are already discussing protective eyewear requirements, and USA Pickleball has acknowledged that eye safety standards are being actively reviewed for future play.
The statistics tell the story. Optometrists have reported a sharp rise in pickleball-related eye injuries, especially corneal abrasions and orbital impacts from deflected balls and paddles. The kitchen line — where two players are separated by just 14 feet — is the most dangerous zone. A ball traveling at 40 mph can deliver more than 100 Gs of force to the eye.
That’s why Dink Eyewear has built ColorBoost™ lenses that aren’t just performance optics — they’re protection-grade. Every Dink lens is made from ANSI Z87.1-certified impact-resistant polycarbonate, the same material used in industrial safety eyewear. This means your lenses are tested to withstand high-velocity impacts without shattering or deforming.
Unlike casual sunglasses, Dink frames wrap securely around your face to shield your eyes from side entry impacts. The snug, ventilated design minimizes blind spots while keeping airflow high — so fog doesn’t compromise your visibility.
The best part? You don’t have to sacrifice performance for protection. Dink’s ColorBoost™ lens system enhances clarity and color recognition while maintaining ANSI-level safety.
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Green for bright outdoor play and green/yellow balls.
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Violet for warm-tone (orange or pink) balls and mixed environments.
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Natural for indoor or low-light courts.
Each tint sharpens contrast without over-darkening, helping you react faster — because the best defense is seeing the ball earlier.
If you wear prescription lenses, Dink’s RX Program makes protection accessible for every player. Your custom Rx can be integrated into ColorBoost safety lenses without losing optical precision.
As professional leagues grow and tournaments introduce stricter safety guidelines, expect eyewear requirements to follow. Just as helmets became standard in cycling and face masks became the norm in hockey, protective eyewear is becoming the next evolution of responsible play in pickleball.
Stay ahead of the curve — and protect your sight with technology that’s already engineered for what’s coming. Explore Dink’s Pro Series Collection and make protection your competitive advantage.
