Copyright timesnownews
The popularity of Pickleball has surged in the United States, with nearly 20 million people enrolled in this sport. With more people on the court, pickleball-related eye injuries, including lacerations around the eye, corneal abrasions and inflamed irises, have increased. A recent study published in JAMA Ophthalmology shows that incidents of ocular trauma related to Pickleball more than doubled between 2021 and 2024, increasing by roughly 405 cases per year over that period. In 2024 alone, an estimated 1,262 eye injuries linked to Pickleball were reported, out of approximately 3,112 recorded between 2005 and 2024. The study found that 70% of cases were in adults 50 years or older. Dr Natasha Desai, the co-director for the Centre for Women's Sports Medicine at NYU Langone, was surprised to see this finding because a large share of sports-related injuries occur in young players. The sport's appeal is understandable: as of 2024, approximately 19.8 million Americans played Pickleball, a 311% increase since 2020. But the compact court and fast-moving plastic ball make players vulnerable. The main mechanisms of injury are being struck by the ball, falls, and contact with the paddle. The study found that older players had a 39% higher chance of eye injury compared with younger players. Severe outcomes documented include retinal detachment, globe trauma, orbital fractures, and hyphema. Currently, eye protection isn't mandatory for Pickleball. Experts are now recommending ASTM F3164-compliant wrap-around polycarbonate protective eyewear, and emphasise that even minor eye hits during play warrant immediate ophthalmologic evaluation. Players and organisers alike are urged to treat protective eyewear as essential, not optional, in what is rapidly becoming a mainstream pastime. “Eye injuries in pickleball are caused when the ball or paddle hits your eye, scratching the cornea, damaging the retina, or causing vision problems,” said Dr. Cory A. Messerschmidt of Beaufort Memorial Orthopaedic Specialists. “Eye protection guards against injury — it should be part of every player’s gear.”
