Q: I just took up Pickleball this summer with some friends, and hear that a lot of us older “athletes” are having more injuries. Are my eyes at risk too?
A: While it is a good trend that more of us are trying to stay active and have fun doing it, a recent study in JAMA Ophthalmology reports surprising numbers of eye injuries with pickleball!
In the three years tracked, 2021 to 2024, we are seeing over 400 more eye injuries per year! In fact, in 2024 we know of at least 1200 eye injuries reported for that single year alone. Some of the concern stems from clubs offering pickleball and organizations for players are not yet requiring eye protection. Nonetheless, eye care organizations are recommending the same level of eye protection we have for years when people play other racquet sports.
The most common injuries are lacerations around the eye and corneal abrasions….both painful and eye sight threatening. Further studies found that the type of most common injuries depended on the age of the player. The youngest pickleball players averaging age 30 were injured by the paddle. The next older group at age 52 were most often hurt by the actual ball. The oldest group at age 68 most often were injured by falling!
For anyone playing a racquet sport…..tennis, racquetball, handball, etc we recommend clear wraparound type lenses and frame, both made of polycarbonate polymer, to be worn alone or over your prescription eyewear. Polycarbonate is a very break-resistant polymer and should withstand most all impacts, unlike your dress or business eyewear!
Lastly, because direct impact with the eye can cause very serious interior damage to your retina and/or optic nerve, I recommend seeing your eye doctor immediately after any direct eye trauma. You will likely need a dilated retina examination, because retina damage such as a detachment or tear require immediate treatment to better your chance of not losing some vision permanently. Corneal abrasions need immediate care as well, and are more likely to receive such as they are generally very painful right away. I would recommend you see your family eye doctor, in Optometry or Ophthalmology, but not seek serious eye care at urgent medical care offices.
So have fun, stay in shape, but be careful and smart too!