Rising Eye Injuries Linked to Increasing Pickleball Popularity: JAMA
USA: Researchers have found in a new study that pickleball-related eye injuries have surged over the past four years, highlighting the need for standardized eye protection guidelines, as no protective measures are currently required in casual or professional play.
Published in JAMA Ophthalmology, the study, led by Corey R. Lacher from the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in Newark, analyzed national data spanning nearly two decades to understand the epidemiology of eye injuries associated with the rapidly growing sport.
Pickleball, a hybrid of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has seen explosive growth in participation across the United States, particularly among older adults. However, this surge in popularity has also led to an increase in related eye injuries, which have not been systematically studied until now.
Using data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), which compiles injury reports from a representative sample of U.S. hospitals, the researchers evaluated patients presenting with pickleball-related eye injuries between 2005 and 2024. The findings revealed a steep rise in such injuries in recent years.
The study revealed the following findings:
- Between 2005 and 2024, an estimated 3,112 pickleball-related eye injuries were reported across the United States.
- Around 1,262 of these injuries occurred in 2024 alone.
- From 2021 to 2024, the number of pickleball-related eye injuries rose by approximately 405 cases each year.
- The rise in eye injuries paralleled the rapid increase in the sport’s popularity during this period.
- Individuals aged 50 years and older were found to have a 39% higher risk of sustaining eye injuries compared to younger players.
- Reported severe injuries included retinal detachment, orbital fractures, globe trauma, and hyphema.
- These types of injuries can potentially lead to long-term or permanent vision impairment if not treated promptly.
The mechanisms of injury were most often direct hits from pickleballs or paddles, and in some cases, falls during play. Despite these risks, the sport currently lacks any mandatory eye protection requirements, even in competitive or professional tournaments.
According to the authors, this concerning trend underscores an urgent need for preventive strategies and the development of standardized safety protocols. As pickleball continues to attract players of all ages, implementing protective eyewear recommendations could help reduce the growing number of ocular injuries seen in emergency departments.
"The study draws attention to the pressing need for awareness and proactive safety measures in one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S. The authors emphasize that establishing official eye protection guidelines would be a crucial step toward ensuring player safety and preserving the enjoyment of the game as its popularity continues to soar," the authors concluded.
Reference:
Lacher CR, Koc I, Tsui JC. Pickleball-Related Ocular Injuries Among Patients Presenting to Emergency Departments. JAMA Ophthalmol. Published online October 16, 2025. doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2025.3577
Next Story