Pickleball-Related Eye Injuries

Types and Severity of Injuries

• The most common injuries are periocular lacerations (cuts around the eye, 35% of cases) and corneal abrasions (scratches on the cornea, 16%).​

• More severe injuries include orbital fractures (bones around the eye, 2%), retinal detachments (3%), hyphema (bleeding in the eye), globe trauma, and even permanent vision loss in rare cases.​

• Injuries often require medical intervention, and in extreme cases can lead to surgeries such as eyelid or brow repairs, repairs for detached retinas, and lens or iris replacement.​

Injury Trends and Risk Factors

• The annual estimated incidence increased by about 405 new cases per year from 2021 to 2024; in 2024 alone, there were around 1,262 eye injuries due to pickleball.​

• Most injuries involve older adults, with 70% of cases in people aged 50 or older.​

• The primary cause is being struck directly in the eye by the fast-moving pickleball, which can deform and seriously injure the eye’s delicate structures.​

Recommendations for Prevention

• Doctors and researchers are recommending the use of polycarbonate or other protective eyewear, especially since no formal protective guidelines are enforced by governing bodies as of now.​

• Educational campaigns promoting eye-safety measures, modeled on successful approaches in other racquet sports, are encouraged to help lower risk.​

Summary Table: Main Types of Pickleball Eye Injuries

Staying safe on the court with proper eyewear is increasingly important to prevent significant injuries as the sport continues to grow in popularity.

The most effective way to prevent pickleball eye injuries is to wear protective, shatterproof eyewear specifically designed for sports. Polycarbonate safety goggles are highly recommended for their ability to provide both front and side coverage, which helps shield the eyes from fast-moving balls and swinging paddles on the close confines of a pickleball court.​

Choosing Protective Eyewear

Look for goggles or glasses made from shatter-resistant polycarbonate material, ideally those that comply with relevant safety standards such as ASTM F3164. Wrap-around styles provide maximum protection by covering the sides of the eyes, and some models offer prescription compatibility or anti-fog lenses for added comfort and visibility.​

Additional Safety Tips

• Eye injuries rise as more people take up pickleball, especially older adults and those with preexisting vision conditions.​

• Maintain awareness of paddle and ball positions to avoid unexpected hits.

• Prioritize court shoes with good traction to prevent slips that could lead to falls and subsequent facial injuries.​

• Encourage all players, regardless of skill level, to wear eye protection as no official mandate exists for the sport yet.​

• Limiting play when tired can help reduce injury risk caused by slower reflexes.