Black eyes, broken eye sockets, detached retinas, and eye injuries from pickleball are on the rise in the US.

A new analysis shows that the number of eye injuries related to pickleball, a sport that combines tennis, badminton and table tennis, is increasing significantly in the United States as pickleball grows in popularity.

Pickleball has become a "hot" sport in the US and many other countries in recent years - Photo: Awful Announcing

It is estimated that in 2024 there will be about 19.8 million Americans participating in pickleball, a 45% increase from 2023 and more than three times the number in 2020.

Along with this "plastic racket-ball fever" is a rapid increase in injuries, especially in the eye area, according to research published in JAMA Ophthalmology on October 16, 2025.

Three ophthalmologists analyzed data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), a US government database that records consumer product-related injuries at about 100 hospitals with emergency departments.

In the period 2005-2024, nationwide estimates suggest the number is equivalent to more than 3,100 eye injuries over 20 years.

Notably, no eye injuries were reported before 2014, and 88% occurred between 2022 and 2024. On average, there are about 400 new cases each year. Of these, about 70% are in people over 50 years of age, possibly due to physical changes such as muscle loss, reduced bone density or poor balance.

The most common cause is a ball hitting the eye, followed by a fall or a racket hit. Common injuries include lacerations around the eye, corneal abrasions, iritis, or black eyes. Some serious injuries can be sight-threatening, including anterior chamber hematoma, orbital fracture, retinal detachment, or rupture of the globe due to blunt force trauma.

The researchers note that the increase in injuries may be due to a surge in new players—inexperienced “amateurs” who are unfamiliar with the rules and movements. However, they say more data is needed to confirm this.

Although there are no official regulations, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that players wear protective eyewear during competition to reduce the risk of eye injury.

Raising awareness and providing age-appropriate protective guidance can help reduce injury rates and prevent vision loss, experts stress.

In Vietnam, pickleball has also become a "hot" sport in recent years, especially in big cities like Hanoi , Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang. Many clubs have opened, attracting players of all ages because of its simplicity, fun and ease of integration into the community.

However, ophthalmologists recommend that domestic players should also be aware of the risk of eye injuries, especially for middle-aged or elderly people, and should wear protective glasses for safer play.

MINH HAI

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/mat-bam-gay-hoc-mat-bong-vong-mac-chan-thuong-mat-do-pickleball-tang-manh-tai-my-20251020004042912.htm