Pickleball Boom Linked to Surge in Eye Injuries, Study Finds
Washington, D.C. - A new study reveals a notable rise in eye injuries sustained while playing pickleball, with 90% of these injuries stemming from being struck by the ball, a paddle, or from falls. The research, published recently, highlights a concerning trend as the sport’s popularity explodes across the nation.
The study found that a disproportionate 70% of pickleball-related eye injuries occur in adults aged 50 and older, a surprising statistic given that sports injuries typically peak among younger athletes. While the overall number of injuries is likely increasing simply due to more peopel playing, the fast-paced nature of the game and the confined court space contribute to the risk.
“A lot of people think that just as it’s a wiffle ball that you’re not going to get hurt,” explains Dr.Corey Lacher, an ophthalmologist resident at Rutgers new Jersey Medical School and lead author of the paper. “But, it’s still risky as everything is vrey fast-paced in pickleball and you’re playing on a very small court.”
Despite the potential for serious harm, eye protection remains uncommon. Players face hurdles including the cost of equipment and difficulty choosing appropriate eyewear, with prices ranging from $10 to $160. Experts are calling for standardized guidelines to help players select effective protection.
“there’s $10 pickleball eye protection and there’s $160. How do you know which one to buy?” asks Lacher, advocating for clear recommendations.
Dr. Natasha Desai, co-director for the Center for Women’s Sports Medicine at NYU Langone, who was not involved in the study, agrees that increased participation is a key factor in the rise in injuries. “More people are playing,so there’s going to be more injuries at a higher volume,” she says.
Both Lacher and Desai recommend eyewear made of shatter-resistant polycarbonate that meets the American Society for Testing and Materials’s F3164 standard.
Further research, lead by Dr. Daniel Henick of Yale School of Medicine, indicates a lack of awareness regarding the risks is a major reason players forgo eye protection. Henick suggests posting guidelines at courts, improving the user-friendliness of protective eyewear, and encouraging professional players to model safe behavior could substantially reduce injuries.
The study acknowledges limitations including a small sample size and reliance on data from participating emergency departments. However, researchers emphasize the importance of raising awareness about these preventable injuries.
“We’re talking about hundreds, if not thousands, of injuries every year that could be prevented with what could be a relatively simple intervention,” Henick notes.
USA Pickleball has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the call for standardized eye-protection guidelines.
