NEW YORK / LONDON (IT BOLTWISE) – Pickleball is growing in popularity in the United States, but the increasing number of players is also leading to a rise in eye injuries. A recent study shows that hundreds of such injuries occur each year, highlighting the need for protective measures.
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Pickleball has become one of the fastest growing sports in the United States in recent years. With nearly 20 million active players, the sport is on the rise, but with its increasing popularity comes risks. A recent study published in JAMA Ophthalmology shows that the number of pickleball-related eye injuries is increasing dramatically. These injuries range from cuts around the eye to corneal abrasions and inflamed irises.
The study estimates that the number of eye injuries will increase by approximately 405 cases annually from 2021 to 2024. These figures are based on data from emergency rooms in the USA and show that players over the age of 50 are particularly affected. This is surprising since sports-related injuries often affect younger players. Dr. Natasha Desai from NYU Langone emphasizes that the increase in injuries does not necessarily reflect the increased danger of the sport, but rather the growing number of players.
A large proportion of injuries occur due to the fast pace of the game and the small playing area, which increase the risk of being hit by a ball or bat. Despite the risks, it is difficult to encourage players to wear eye protection. The variety of safety glasses available and the additional costs present a hurdle for many players. However, experts recommend using impact-resistant polycarbonate glasses that meet the ASTM F3164 standard.
Dr. Daniel Henick, an ophthalmologist and avid pickleball player, examines why many players don’t wear eye protection. A main reason is the lack of awareness of the risks. Henick suggests developing standardized guidelines and making them visible in the squares to raise awareness. In addition, professional players could serve as role models to increase the acceptance of protective measures.
The study indicates that many injuries could be prevented through simple measures. Implementing guidelines and raising player awareness could help significantly reduce the number of injuries. USA Pickleball has not yet responded to calls for eye safety guidelines, but the discussion about safety in pickleball will continue to grow.
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