Pickleball and Eye Injuries: How to Stay Safe While You Play

In recent years, pickleball has taken over as one of America’s favorite hobbies. Nearly 20 million people in the United States play the sport, with that number not slowing down any time soon. But recently, eye injuries related to pickleball have dramatically increased.

Injuries on the Rise

Emergency rooms across the country are reporting more pickleball-related eye lacerations, scratched corneas, and swollen irises. A recent study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that these cases rose by an average of 405 annually between 2021 and 2024.

Researchers collected data from emergency rooms nationwide and discovered that 70 percent of the injuries occurred in adults ages 50 and older. That finding was especially surprising given that most sports-related injuries typically affect younger players.

Prevention and Increased Safety Measures

Fortunately, there’s a solution that can reduce these injuries by up to 90 percent: eye protection. Experts recommend gear made from shatter-resistant plastic and other materials that meet the American Society for Testing and Materials’ F3164 standard. Another key step is educating players about the risks. Many people don’t wear protective eyewear, not because they refuse to, but because they’re unaware that pickleball can cause serious eye injuries.

Doctors and pickleball enthusiasts across the country are calling for standardized safety guidelines to be posted outside courts, where players can easily see them. They also advocate for more user-friendly eyewear and urge professional pickleball athletes to step up and lead by example.