Pickleball-related eye injuries have increased at an “alarming rate” over the past 4 years as the sport continues to grow in popularity, new research revealed. Eye protection is not currently mandated for casual or professional play. Establishing standardized guidelines for eye protection is recommended to reduce the risk of ocular injuries among players, the authors say.

Researchers analyzed data from a nationally representative  sample of hospitals in the US and its territories from 2005-2024. Their adjusted analysis found that during the study period,  there were an estimated 3112 pickleball-related eye injuries, with an estimated 1262 occurring in 2024 alone.

Further analyses showed that the estimated incidence of pickleball-related eye injuries increased by 405 cases per year from 2021 to 2024. There were more pickleball-related eye injuries among patients ages 50 or older than among patients younger than 50.

Severe eye injuries included retinal detachment, orbital fracture, globe trauma, and hyphema. Mechanisms of injury included direct hit by a pickleball, direct hit by a paddle, and falls. The authors urge the use of eye protection and other preventive strategies.

To download the study, published in JAMA Ophthalmology, click here