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April is Eye Injury Prevention Month — And Pickleball Month!

Updated: 5 days ago

April 7th, 2025

Estimated Read Time: 5 minutes



Key Takeaways

April is National Eye Injury Prevention Month and also happens to be Pickleball Month! In this blog, we’ll explore why protecting your eyes matters more than ever—especially with the growing popularity of sports like pickleball, tennis, and golf. You’ll learn about common causes of eye injuries, how to prevent them, and why specialized sport-specific eyewear can make all the difference. Plus, we’ll share an exciting announcement about new performance eyewear that is available now at Rivertown Eye Care in Hastings.


Article Outline

  1. The Importance of Eye Injury Awareness

  2. Why April is Pickleball Month, Too

  3. Common Eye Injuries in Sports and Daily Life

  4. How to Prevent Eye Injuries

  5. Introducing Sport-Specific Frames at Rivertown Eye Care

  6. Schedule a Fitting or Eye Exam Today


The Importance of Eye Injury Awareness

Each year, more than 2.5 million eye injuries occur in the U.S., with about 50,000 leading to permanent vision loss (Prevent Blindness, 2024). Many of these are preventable, especially those related to sports and recreational activities.

Eye Injury Prevention Month is a national campaign that aims to educate people on how to avoid common eye injuries at home, at work, and during play. From flying objects to harmful UV rays, our eyes are exposed to many risks that can be minimized with a few smart precautions.





Why April is Also Pickleball Month


Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., and with that rise comes a spike in related injuries—including eye injuries. Whether you're a seasoned player or just learning the rules, protecting your eyes on the court is essential.


Rackets, balls, and even accidental contact with other players can lead to serious injury. That’s why April is the perfect time to highlight both eye safety and the joys of staying active.


Common Eye Injuries in Sports and Daily Life


Here are a few of the most common eye injuries we see:

  • Corneal Abrasions (scratches on the eye surface)

  • Blunt Force Trauma (caused by balls or elbows)

  • Foreign Bodies (like dust, sand, or debris)

  • Chemical Burns (from pool chlorine or cleaning supplies)

  • UV Damage (from prolonged exposure to sunlight)


Sports like pickleball, tennis, and golf all carry a risk of eye injury—especially for players not wearing any form of eye protection.


How to Prevent Eye Injuries

Preventing eye injuries doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some practical tips:

  • Wear Protective Eyewear: Use lenses made from polycarbonate, a durable, impact-resistant material.

  • Wear Sunglasses Outdoors: Choose ones that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.

  • Keep Your Gear Clean: Dirty lenses can affect vision and increase the risk of accidents.

  • Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Especially important in fast-paced sports or active work environments.

  • Schedule Regular Eye Exams: Prevention starts with knowing the current state of your eye health.


New! Pickleball, Tennis & Golf Frames at Rivertown Eye Care

We’re excited to announce that Rivertown Eye Care in Hastings now offers a new line of sport-specific frames designed for activities like:


  • Pickleball

  • Tennis

  • Golf

  • Cycling

  • Running




These frames are lightweight, stylish, and engineered for performance and protection. With lens options that reduce glare, enhance contrast, and block harmful UV rays, they help you play your best while protecting your most important asset—your vision.

Not sure what style is right for you? Our team will help you find the perfect fit, tailored to your sport and visual needs.


Schedule a Fitting or Eye Exam Today

At Rivertown Eye Care, we’re all about keeping you active and safe. Whether you’re on the court, the green, or just enjoying a sunny walk, our new sport-specific eyewear can protect your eyes and enhance your performance.


📞 Call us today to schedule an eye exam or frame fitting.

🏠 Visit our clinic in Hastings, MN to explore the latest collection.


This April, take eye health seriously—and don’t forget to have a little fun while you're at it!


Sources & Further Reading

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