Pickleball has been recognized as being the fastest growing sport in North America (click here) and despite all of its many health benefits, one thing making it so attractive to people of all ages is its low cost of entry. Although most venues have nets, paddles and balls for new players to use when they are just learning, it means that until you purchase your own paddle and a few balls, all you need is comfortable clothes and sneakers.
Or is it?
One of the most overlooked pieces of equipment that people neglect to invest in is protective eyewear and here are a few stats to consider….
Prevent Blindness America reports that hospital emergency rooms treat more than 40,000 eye injuries every year that are sports-related
Because children in their first 18 years receive 50% of their lifetime exposure to sunlight, children and teens playing outdoor sports should wear high quality sunglasses with 99% -100% UVA and UVB protection at all times
As for seniors, since the majority of their age group wears prescription eyeglasses, they need to protect their glasses from scratches or breaks that can be inflicted by the ball or a paddle. Wearing racquet sports eyewear, such as over-the-glasses or wraparound eyeguards, in clear or sunglass styles, offer the best protection.
For players who don’t wear glasses or who can wear contacts, there are lots of traditional sports safety glasses to choose from. But for players who use prescription eyewear and don’t want to use contacts, the only options are safety glasses to wear over their eyewear or select protective eyewear that you can insert prescription lenses into.
Here are some links we have found that may help you find the right protective eyewear to fit your needs and budget….
Pickleball Nova Scotia 