As recent sponsors of the Southern Oregon Pickleball Association (SOPA) Summer Classic Tournament, many of us at MEC learned what a phenomenon this sport truly is. Pickleball is a fun and social sport that’s exploded in popularity recently. But what if you have visual complications? Can you still enjoy the game? The answer is absolutely! Here, we’ll explore some eye conditions that might affect your ability to play pickleball, along with helpful tips and potential treatments to keep you on the court.
Common Eye Conditions Affecting Pickleball:
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): This condition causes blurred vision in the central part of your vision, making it difficult to see the ball clearly when your partner goes for the volley.
- Glaucoma: This group of eye diseases damages the optic nerve, which can lead to peripheral vision loss, impacting your ability to track the ball and other players.
- Diabetic Retinopathy: Diabetes can damage blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision problems like blurry vision or floaters (spots in your vision).
- Cataracts: Clouding of the natural lens in your eye can cause blurry or cloudy vision, making it difficult to see the court and the ball.
Don’t Hang Up Your Paddle Just Yet!
While these conditions can affect your game, there are ways to manage them and keep playing pickleball. Here are some tips:
- Talk to your Ophthalmologist: A comprehensive eye exam can help diagnose any underlying conditions and determine the best course of treatment.
- Consider Low Vision Aids: Special glasses, magnifiers, or high-contrast filters can help you see the ball and court more clearly.
- Play With Friends Who Understand: Tell your pickleball buddies about your vision limitations. They can adjust their game accordingly and offer support.
- Protective Eyewear is Key: Invest in sports glasses or a protective shield to protect your eyes from injury.
- Don’t Be Afraid of Modifications: Consider playing pickleball on a court with high-contrast lines or using a larger, brightly colored ball.
Wearing the Right Protective Eyewear:
When protecting your eyes on the court, choosing the proper eyewear is essential. Here’s what to look for:
- Impact-Resistant Lenses: While polycarbonate lenses are a popular choice for sports glasses, you might want to consider Trivex lenses. They are not only impact-resistant and UV-protected but also offer better visual clarity. Visit the Optical shop at Medical Eye Center to explore lightweight and shatter-resistant eyewear options from top brands like Oakley and Wiley X. Stay protected from flying pickleballs and accidental collisions while rocking your stylish and durable eyewear on the court.
- UV Protection: Look for glasses that block UVA and UVB rays to shield your eyes from sun damage indoors and outdoors. We offer many coatings that can be applied to almost any glasses, reducing the UV exposure and glare you might experience when playing in low light settings.
- Secure Fit: Choose glasses that fit snugly around your face and don’t slip during play. A strap or wraparound design can provide additional security.
- Comfort: Well-fitting glasses shouldn’t pinch your nose or the bridge of your nose and should allow for proper ventilation to prevent fogging.
- Prescription Options: If you wear corrective lenses, consider sports glasses with prescription inserts or wraparound sunglasses that can fit your prescription.
Treatments to Keep You in the Game:
Depending on the specific condition, there are various treatment options available:
- AMD: While there’s no cure, lifestyle changes and certain medications may slow progression, adding to more years of you on the courts.
- Glaucoma: Eye drops, medications, or laser surgery can help control eye pressure and prevent further vision loss.
- Diabetic Retinopathy: It is crucial to manage blood sugar levels. In some cases, laser surgery or injections may be needed.
- Cataracts: Cataract surgery is a common and highly successful procedure to remove the clouded lens and replace it with a clear artificial lens. You can also consider a Refractive Lens Exchange procedure that can optimize your vision before you develop Catarata.
Living a Full Life with Pickleball (and beyond):
Remember, visual complications don’t have to sideline you from the activities you love. You can enjoy pickleball with eye conditions and all its social and health benefits by working with your ophthalmologist, exploring adaptive strategies, potentially undergoing treatment, and wearing the proper protective eyewear. If you are not yet a pickleball champion, we encourage you to try it out. SOPA offers many clinics and matches for all levels of experience; they are a great resource in the Rogue Valley.
Since a healthy body can help prevent eye disease, we encourage everyone to grab their paddle, embrace these tips, and get ready to pickleball like a champion!
Additional Resources:
American Academy of Ophthalmology: https://www.aao.org
National Eye Institute: https://www.nei.nih.gov
Pickleball for All https://www.facebook.com/groups/pickleballforall
Local Club: https://www.sopickleball.org
Spanish