Pickleball—the fastest-growing sport in the United States—has recently been linked to a disturbing increase in eye injuries. A groundbreaking study published in the journal JAMA Ophthalmology highlights the alarming trend of pickleball-related eye injuries among patients visiting emergency departments across the country. From 2021 to 2024, researchers estimate an increase of approximately 405 injuries each year, raising serious concerns about player safety.
According to the researchers, “This study found that pickleball-related eye injuries have increased at an alarming rate over the past 4 years as the sport continues to grow in popularity.” They emphasized that eye protection is not currently mandated for either casual or professional play. To mitigate the risk of ocular injuries, the study strongly recommends establishing standardized guidelines for eye protection.
In 2024 alone, an estimated 1,262 eye injuries related to pickleball are projected to occur. The sport, which combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, has surged in popularity, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when individuals sought safe outdoor activities. With approximately 19.8 million players in the U.S. in 2024, the sport's low-impact nature and straightforward rules make it accessible to a wide audience.
To analyze the occurrence of pickleball-related eye injuries, researchers utilized data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), a government-funded database that tracks consumer product-related injuries from around 100 U.S. emergency departments. Between 2005 and 2024, 2,472 pickleball-related injuries were documented, leading to an estimated total of 137,471 injuries nationwide. Alarmingly, 73 of these records specifically reported eye injuries, translating to approximately 3,112 eye injuries at a national level—all of which occurred from 2014 onward.
The eye injuries reported were primarily caused by accidents such as being struck directly by a pickleball or a paddle, or from falls. Serious cases included retinal detachment, orbital fractures (which involve breaking the bones around the eye), and hyphema (bleeding in the eye). Alarmingly, 88% of the identified pickleball-related eye injuries occurred between 2022 and 2024, with 2024 alone accounting for an estimated 1,262 injuries.
The researchers attribute the surge in injuries to the influx of casual players. Recent surveys suggest that this growth in participation is largely driven by individuals who may not have extensive experience in the sport. As the study points out, “Although the increase in ocular injuries may simply reflect the increasing number of players, it is also possible that casual players are more susceptible to injury due to limited experience, unfamiliarity with the game, or lower levels of physical fitness.” Interestingly, the data also reveals that 70% of all pickleball-related eye injuries occurred in players aged 50 and older.
Currently, there are no official guidelines in place regarding eye protection in the sport of pickleball. The researchers conclude their findings with a strong recommendation for increased awareness regarding age-specific risk factors and the establishment of standardized recommendations for eye protection. Implementing these measures could significantly reduce injury rates and help prevent vision loss among players.
