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 with the ball is very common on the pickleball court - Photo: PK

In addition to common injuries to the knee, ankle or elbow, pickleball players now face the risk of eyeball damage - a fact that many experts warn about and recommend should be noted.

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

Notably, more than 1,262 cases are estimated for 2024 alone. Research shows that from 2021 to 2024, the number of eye injuries will increase by about 405 cases per year.

Meanwhile, considering that pickleball injuries have traditionally been primarily related to wrists, ankles, dislocations, or fractures from falls, the study found that from 2013 to 2022, the total number of pickleball-related injuries was estimated at 66,350 in the United States, with the majority being fractures, sprains/dislocations, and falls.

Eye injuries, which used to account for a smaller proportion (about 0.7% of total injuries), are on the rise.

Why are eye injuries on the rise?

First, the boom in pickleball has led to a huge increase in the number of players, especially among middle-aged and elderly people. One article said that by 2024, there will be about 19.8 million players in the US, with 70% of eye injuries occurring in people 50 and older.

As older adults play more sports , their reflexes, bone density, and vision may decline, making them more vulnerable to injury.

Besides the elderly, women are also susceptible to injury, especially when many girls have no experience playing competitive sports before, but are now eager to step into the pickleball field.

Second, the technical characteristics of the game create risks: the pickleball ball is small and flies fast, the playing field is narrower than tennis, and the reaction distance is closer, giving players less time to dodge.

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

Third, most players do not wear protective eyewear or are not required to wear eye protection. For pickleball players, wearing glasses can affect the aesthetic factor that is often associated with the game.

Types of injuries and detailed data

Research from JAMA Ophthalmology shows the main mechanisms of injury: 43% due to direct ball hits, 28% due to falls during play, 12% due to racket hits.

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

Types of protective eyewear recommended for pickleball - Photo: PA

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

For example, safety glasses made from polycarbonate that meets standards (such as ASTM F3164), covering the eye area and sides, are recommended.

In addition, players need to choose the right court, racket, and ball - especially for older players - and should participate in sports safety education programs.

Dr. Lee called on the pickleball industry to establish standard eye protection guidelines to reduce risks and raise safety awareness.

HUY DANG

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