Most of us associate eye injuries with high-impact sports. Boxing, rugby, hockey — they all spring to mind when you think of flying elbows, pucks, and punches. Protective gear for the eyes isn’t uncommon in these fields, and there’s at least some public awareness of the risks. But there’s one sport that often flies under the radar when it comes to long-term eye health — and it’s probably not the one you’d expect.

It’s tennis.

At first glance, tennis doesn’t seem particularly dangerous. There’s no direct physical contact, players don’t tend to wear much protective gear, and injuries are more likely to involve a twisted ankle or sore shoulder than anything to do with the face. But dig a little deeper and the story changes — especially when it comes to your eyes.

The Unexpected Culprit: UV and Blue Light Exposure

Tennis is almost always played outdoors, often under bright, relentless sunshine. This is where the problem starts. Extended exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light is a known contributor to a range of eye conditions, from cataracts to macular degeneration. And unlike many other outdoor activities — hiking, for instance — tennis players often don’t wear any eye protection at all.

Even on overcast days, UV rays can penetrate cloud cover and reflect off the court surface, especially hard courts, amplifying the effect. Add in high-energy visible (HEV) blue light from prolonged exposure and you’ve got a recipe for long-term damage.

While most people think to apply sunscreen and maybe wear a hat, it’s the eyes that are often neglected — and they’re particularly vulnerable. The retina doesn’t have pain receptors, so damage can happen quietly, over time, with no warning signs until your vision starts to deteriorate.

Speed, Precision, and a Flying Ball

Aside from UV concerns, tennis carries another, more immediate risk: blunt trauma. The ball can travel at over 120 mph in professional play — and while that’s not quite the speed of a cricket ball, it’s certainly enough to cause significant injury if it hits the eye.

Amateur players aren’t exempt either. In fact, they’re often more at risk because they’re not always able to anticipate or dodge poorly aimed shots. A direct hit can lead to anything from a scratched cornea to a detached retina, depending on the angle and impact.

The nature of the sport — quick reactions, high-speed movement, and close net play — all contribute to the danger. But again, very few players wear glasses or protective lenses designed for sport, even though they’re widely available.

Why Most People Don’t Think About It

The main issue is perception. Tennis is seen as refined, perhaps even genteel — more strawberries and cream than blood and bruises. That perception filters down to recreational players, who often don’t think about protection beyond their racket and a pair of good shoes.

Glasses, when worn, are usually prescription ones — often not designed for sport — or standard sunglasses that don’t stay put when you’re charging the net. Neither of those are ideal. What’s needed is eyewear built for motion, glare reduction, impact resistance, and full UV protection — and plenty of options are available through sports eyewear specialists.

The Long-Term Impact

Eye health isn’t just about avoiding injuries — it’s about preventing long-term issues that develop slowly. UV-related eye damage can accumulate over years, and if you’re playing regularly without proper protection, you may not notice until it’s too late.

Some of the more common conditions linked to sun exposure include:

• Pterygium (also known as surfer’s eye): a benign growth on the eye’s surface, often seen in people exposed to lots of UV and wind.
• Pinguecula: a yellowish lump on the conjunctiva that can irritate and affect vision.
• Macular degeneration: a leading cause of blindness in older adults, potentially accelerated by UV exposure.

None of these sound particularly pleasant — and the frustrating thing is they’re largely preventable.

What You Can Do About It

First, ditch the idea that you only need protection when it’s blazing hot. UV rays are present year-round, even on cloudy days. If you’re playing outdoors, you should be wearing proper lenses — ideally something polarised to cut out glare and with a wraparound fit for full coverage.

Sport-specific glasses are designed to stay in place during movement and can be fitted with prescription lenses if needed. Many also feature anti-fog coatings, impact-resistant frames, and ventilation to keep things comfortable — especially important during a fast-paced rally.

There’s a wide range of options tailored to different sports and conditions, and you can explore what’s available from sports-focused eyewear retailers. Look for frames that meet ASTM or ANSI safety standards for impact, and make sure they’re labelled with UV400 for full protection.

Tennis might not look like a dangerous sport for your eyes — but that’s precisely why it can be so risky. The combination of long-term UV exposure, occasional high-speed impacts, and a general lack of awareness makes it a silent threat.

If you play regularly — even just a couple of times a month — it’s worth investing in the right eyewear. Not just for now, but for the years ahead. After all, your eyes do a lot more work on the court than you think — and they deserve the same protection you’d give your knees, ankles, or elbows.