The squash ball is small, hard and travels at serious speed inside an enclosed court — and your opponent's racket is swinging close by. Eye injuries in squash are well documented and almost always preventable. So do you really need goggles? For most players, the honest answer is yes.
Quick answer: Yes, wearing squash goggles is strongly recommended for all players and is mandatory for juniors in most club and competition settings. The ball fits within the eye socket and can cause serious injury, so proper polycarbonate protective eyewear designed for squash is a sensible, low-cost safeguard.
Why eye protection matters in squash
Squash is one of the higher-risk sports for eye injury because:
- The ball is small enough to fit into the eye socket, striking the eye directly
- It travels extremely fast off the racket
- Both players share a confined space, so stray shots and swings happen close to the face
- Injuries can be serious and, in the worst cases, permanent
The reassuring part: a well-fitting pair of protective goggles prevents the vast majority of these injuries.
When are goggles mandatory?
Rules vary by club and competition, but the widely applied standards are:
- Juniors: eye protection is mandatory in most club, county and national junior squash settings.
- Doubles: frequently required because of the extra players on court.
- Adults in singles: often recommended rather than compulsory, though many clubs and events require it.
Always check your club or event's specific rules — but the safe, sensible default is to wear them regardless.
What to look for in squash goggles
Proper protective eyewear
Choose eyewear specifically designed and tested for squash or racket sports, typically made from impact-resistant polycarbonate. Everyday glasses or sunglasses are not a substitute and can shatter.
Fit and comfort
- A secure fit that stays put during quick movement
- Adjustable or elasticated straps on many models
- Enough ventilation to reduce fogging
- Anti-fog and scratch-resistant coatings where available
For spectacle wearers
Some goggles are designed to fit over glasses, or can be fitted with prescription lenses, so vision correction need not be a barrier.
Common objections — answered
- "They fog up." Look for ventilated frames and anti-fog coatings, and let them settle before play.
- "They're uncomfortable." Modern squash eyewear is light and designed for sport; a proper fit disappears once you are rallying.
- "I've never been hit." Eye injuries are sudden and often occur to experienced players. Protection is about the one time it matters.
Part of a safe kit
Eye protection sits alongside other sensible squash habits: calling a let rather than risking a dangerous swing (see our squash rules guide), and wearing non-marking court shoes for stable movement.
FAQs
Are squash goggles compulsory?
For juniors, eye protection is mandatory in most club and competition settings, and it is often required for doubles. For adult singles it is usually strongly recommended, but check your club's rules.
Can I wear normal glasses for squash?
No. Everyday glasses and sunglasses are not impact-tested and can shatter. Use protective eyewear designed for racket sports.
Do squash goggles fog up?
They can, but ventilated frames and anti-fog coatings greatly reduce it. Letting them settle before play also helps.
Can I get squash goggles with a prescription?
Yes. Some models fit over glasses or can take prescription lenses, so vision correction is not a barrier to protection.
Protect your eyes
Eye protection is one of the smallest, cheapest and smartest purchases in squash. Browse the squash collection at Central Sports for protective eyewear alongside rackets, balls and court shoes, and play with confidence knowing your eyes are covered.