Pickleball's Hidden Danger: Why Eye Injuries Are Skyrocketing

Pickleball is taking the United States by storm, with nearly 20 million players. But this popularity comes with a catch. Eye injuries from pickleball are on the rise. A recent study estimates that these injuries have increased by about 405 cases each year from 2021 to 2024. The study looked at data from emergency departments across the U. S. to understand who is most at risk and how these injuries happen. The findings were surprising. Most injuries occurred in adults over 50, which is unusual for sports-related injuries. Experts believe the sport isn't necessarily getting more dangerous. Instead, more people are playing, leading to more injuries. Pickleball can be risky because it's fast-paced and played on a small court. Injuries can happen from being hit by the ball, a paddle, or even from falling. Getting players to wear eye protection is a challenge. It's another piece of equipment to buy and bring. With so many options, choosing the right eyewear can be overwhelming. Experts recommend eye protection made of shatter-resistant polycarbonate and meeting the American Society for Testing and Materials's F3164 standard. One of the main reasons players don't use protective eyewear is that they aren't aware of the risks. Standardized guidelines, better awareness, and professional players setting an example could help reduce injuries. The study had limitations, but the main takeaway is the need to bring awareness to these preventable injuries.