Put on the Protective Eyewear: Pickleball Eye Injuries on the Upsurge

Amid the buzz for playing under clear skies, pickleball has captivated many in the USA. However, with increasing participants, eye injuries linked to pickleball are also on the rise. These injuries often include scratches, cuts, and irritations in and around the eyes.

A comprehensive study released recently indicates a notable surge in such injuries, estimating about 405 new instances arising each year from 2021 to 2024.

The research assessed data from emergency rooms nationwide to pinpoint which demographics are most prone to eye injuries while playing pickleball, and how these injuries typically happen. Based on this data, projections were made for national trends.

The results showed an alarming trend, prompting researchers to recommend establishing universal guidelines for eye protection, which could prevent a significant number of injuries. For instance, sports like squash have already implemented similar protective measures.

Interestingly, adults aged 50 and older comprised 70% of recorded injury cases. This was surprising, as younger players are often the ones more frequently injured in many sports. Dr. Natasha Desai from NYU Langone noted that the increase might simply be due to more participants, leading to a higher volume of injuries.

There are several ways injuries can happen in pickleball, cautions Dr. Corey Lacher, who led the study and is an ophthalmology resident at Rutgers. Risks include being struck by the ball or paddle or even falling on the court.

Dr. Lacher warns against underestimating the potential for injury just because pickleball uses a wiffle-like ball. The game's fast pace on a compact court still presents considerable risk.

Dr. Desai points out that despite the risks, convincing players to adopt protective eyewear isn't straightforward. Selecting the right protection can be overwhelming due to the variety available.

There's a wide range of options, from budget-friendly to premium, urging some standardization in protective gear to help players make informed decisions.

Drs. Lacher and Desai recommend eyewear crafted from durable polycarbonate material and those adhering to certification by the American Society for Testing and Materials.

Dr. Daniel Henick, also passionate about pickleball, explored why some players forgo protection. Many are simply unaware of the associated risks, he found.

Standardizing protective guidance, making it visible around courts, simplifying gear usage, and having professional players model safe behavior could mitigate the injury risk.

While acknowledging the study's limitations—like a constrained sample and reliance on voluntarily submitted ER data—Dr. Lacher emphasizes the importance of awareness regarding these injuries.

Dr. Henick echoes the sentiment, highlighting that many of these injuries could be prevented through straightforward interventions. Every year, hundreds of potentially life-changing injuries might be avoided.

Unfortunately, USA Pickleball has yet to respond to the study’s advocacy for mandatory eye protection guidelines.