Pickleball players face new dangers

In addition to knee, elbow, and ankle problems, pickleball players today face an increasingly common injury threat - eye injuries.

Getting hit in the face by a ball is very common on a pickleball court - Photo: PK

Besides common injuries to the knees, ankles, and elbows, pickleball players now face the risk of eye injuries – a fact that many experts are warning about and recommending that attention be paid to.

According to a new study published in JAMA Ophthalmology, a total of approximately 3,112 pickleball-related eye injuries were recorded in the United States between 2005 and 2024.

Notably, an estimated more than 1,262 cases were reported in 2024 alone. The study shows that from 2021 to 2024, the number of eye injuries increased by approximately 405 cases each year.

Meanwhile, considering that pickleball injuries have historically mainly involved wrists, ankles, dislocations, or fractures due to falls, research indicates that from 2013 to 2022, the total number of pickleball-related injuries was estimated at approximately 66,350 in the US, with the majority being fractures, sprains/dislocations, and falls.

Eye injuries, which previously accounted for a smaller percentage (around 0.7% of all injuries), are showing a sharp increase.

Why are eye injuries on the rise?

Firstly, the pickleball craze has led to a significant increase in the number of players, especially among middle-aged and older adults. One article stated that in 2024 there were approximately 19.8 million players in the US, with 70% of eye injuries occurring in people aged 50 and older.

As older adults increasingly participate in sports , while their reflexes, bone density, and eyesight may have declined, they become more vulnerable to injury.

Besides older people, women are also susceptible to injuries, especially since many young girls who have no prior experience in contact sports are now eager to enter the pickleball arena.

Secondly, the game's technical characteristics create risks: the pickleball is small and flies fast, the playing field is narrower than tennis, and the shorter reaction distance gives players less time to dodge.

As Dr. Lee Carlsey (Houston Methodist Hospital, USA) explains: "The smaller the ball, the more likely it is to enter the orbital area without hitting the protective bone. This creates a huge problem. Not to mention that pickleballs are quite hard."

Thirdly, most players do not wear protective eyewear or there are no mandatory regulations regarding eye protection. For pickleball players in particular, wearing glasses can affect the aesthetic aspect – often associated with the sport.

Types of lesions and detailed data

Research from JAMA Ophthalmology indicates the main mechanisms of injury: 43% due to direct impact from the ball, 28% due to falls during play, and 12% due to being hit by the racket.

The types of injuries include peri-ocular lacerations (~35%), and corneal abrasions (~16%). Serious injuries such as orbital fractures, retinal detachment, or globe trauma account for approximately 13% of all eye injuries.

Protective eyewear is recommended when playing pickleball - Photo: PA

Experts emphasize that eye injuries in pickleball are entirely preventable with proper protective measures.

For example, safety glasses made from standard polycarbonate (such as ASTM F3164), covering the eye area and sides, should be recommended.

In addition, players need to choose appropriate courts, rackets, and balls – especially older people – and should participate in sports safety education programs.

Dr. Lee urged the pickleball discipline to establish standard eye protection guidelines to minimize risks and raise awareness of safety.

HUY DANG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/dan-choi-pickleball-doi-mat-them-hiem-hoa-moi-2025102721423707.htm