Pickleball’s rapid rise from a quiet backyard hobby to one of the fastest-growing sports in America has not only filled the courts, but also exposed blind spots in player safety. What started out as a casual, low-impact game has garnered national attention and is attracting players of all ages and fitness levels. Its appeal lies in its simplicity and social nature, providing movement and connection without the intensity of traditional racquet sports.
But as more people use paddles, hidden risks are starting to surface. Eye injuries, once rare in recreational competition, are now a new problem as sports become faster, more competitive and more technologically advanced. Stronger paddles, tighter court spacing and aging participants have created a perfect storm for impact injuries that most players never expected.
If you choose pickleball for fun, health, or friendship, this issue directly impacts you. One moment of distraction – a missed ball or an awkward fall – can quickly turn a light-hearted game into a medical emergency. Protecting your eyesight isn’t about fear. It’s important to stay informed and proactive so you can enjoy gaming safely for years to come.
To understand why these injuries are increasing so dramatically, researchers set out to track the patterns, players, and conditions behind them, and what they discovered will make any player think twice before stepping onto the court defenseless.
Pickleball’s Soaring Popularity Is Blinding Some Players
A cross-sectional study published in JAMA Ophalmology examined nearly 20 years of emergency department data from hospitals across the United States to understand how often pickleball leads to serious eye trauma.1 Researchers discovered a surprising trend. Between 2021 and 2024, pickleball-related eye injuries increased by approximately 405 cases per year.
A total of 3,112 eye injuries occurred between 2005 and 2024, with 1,262 recorded in 2024 alone. It’s a sharp increase that is directly related to the explosive growth of the sport and its estimated 19.8 million players in the United States.
• Older people face the greatest risk of eye trauma. Studies have shown that 70% of reported pickleball eye injuries occur in players over the age of 50. Researchers believe this is because slow reflexes, reduced balance, and age-related vision changes make it more difficult to react quickly to a fast-moving ball.
Injuries range from minor corneal abrasions (scratches on the surface of the eye) to serious trauma such as anterior chamber hemorrhages (bleeding in the front chamber of the eye), orbital fractures (broken bones around the eye), and retinal detachments (when the retina separates from the back of the eye). These injuries can lead to partial or permanent vision loss if not treated immediately.
• Play speed and power have increased dramatically. A hollow, perforated plastic ball weighing only 26 grams can often travel more than 60 miles per hour at close range when struck hard by a modern composite paddle. To put this in perspective, this is fast enough to deform the cornea and cause damage deep inside the eye.
According to the data, 43% of eye injuries were caused by direct ball impact, 28% by falls and 12% by accidental paddle strikes. Reaction times are razor-thin on the “kitchen line,” a no-volley zone where players are only 14 feet apart. The time it takes to react to a fast-moving ball is often less than half a second.
• Modern paddles are unintentionally making the game more dangerous. Advances in paddle technology, particularly those using ethylene-vinyl acetate foam and high-tensile carbon fiber, have increased rebound velocity and reduced shock absorption. The result is a faster game with less reaction time, especially in doubles play where four players cram together on a small court.
This makes it more likely that a deflected or mishit ball will hit someone’s face or eye. The researchers suggested that as paddles become more powerful, safety equipment should also evolve along with them.
• Emergency room data underestimates the actual number of injured. The researchers cautioned that their findings likely represent only a fraction of the actual number of cases. Their analysis was conducted only in hospital emergency departments. That is, patients who visited an urgent care center, eye clinic, or primary care office were excluded.
The national estimate of 3,112 is likely an underestimate of the total number of incidents because many athletes who sustain minor or moderate eye injuries, such as minor abrasions or bruises, do not report them.
• Serious injuries require surgery and a longer recovery time. A small but serious percentage of players have suffered vision-threatening trauma. Retinal detachment requires immediate surgery to reattach the retina and restore vision.
Hyphema, another common serious injury, involves bleeding inside the eye, increasing internal pressure and risking permanent damage to the optic nerve. These injuries can take months to recover and cost thousands of dollars in follow-up care.
Players are exposed due to lack of eye protection standards.
Despite the rapid increase in injuries, there is still no universal rule requiring eye protection in casual or professional pickleball. The study highlighted that a lack of safety guidelines could put millions of players at risk.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology urges the use of glasses that meet the same ASTM F3164 standard used in tennis and racquetball to prevent serious injuries. However, most recreational players are unaware of these recommendations, and USA Pickleball has not yet implemented them at the tournament level.
• Simple safety habits can help prevent vision loss — The authors recommended that players, especially those over 50 or with eye conditions, wear breakage-resistant glasses, stretch before games and avoid dangerous close-range volleys. They also suggested strength and balance training to reduce fall-related trauma. Eye protection is even more important for people with a family history of myopia, cataracts, or retinal problems.
• It’s not just older people who are at risk. Most injuries occurred in people over 50, but younger players were not immune. About 30% of reported cases occurred among players ages 30 to 59, and nearly one in five involved players under 30.
Researchers noted that younger players are often more aggressive, favoring quick volleys and hard shots that increase the speed of impact. However, older athletes tended to have more severe outcomes due to age-related vulnerabilities in eye tissue.
• The key to prevention is awareness. What this study clearly shows is that awareness protects vision. You might see pickleball as a casual pastime, but the data shows otherwise. A single accident can result in loss of vision for months or irreversible damage. As the sport continues to grow, knowing the risks can help protect your eyesight and give you the power to play safely.
How to Protect Your Eyes and Keep Pickleball Safe and Fun
Pickleball should be fun, not scary. Play for connection, movement, and joy, not a trip to the emergency room. But data shows that without simple precautions, even a friendly match can end in serious eye damage. The good news is that most injuries are completely preventable if you address the actual cause, whether it’s a fast-moving ball, proximity to the court, lack of reaction time, or lack of protection. Here’s how to continue gaming safely without damaging your eyesight.
1. Invest in high-quality, shatter-resistant glasses — Protecting your eyes starts even before you pick up the paddle. Use eyewear that meets the ASTM F3164 standard, the same protection recommended for tennis and racquetball players. Look for wraparound lenses made from materials that won’t break on impact.
Regular sunglasses or prescription glasses are not enough. Even a slow-moving pickleball can deform the cornea if hit directly. Make it a habit to wear protective lenses like tying your shoe laces before playing.
2. Warm up and train your balance before hitting the court — Most athletes don’t realize that many eye injuries occur after falls or mistakes. Take a few minutes to stretch your calves, hips, and shoulders. If you’re over 50, spend time doing balance exercises, such as simple one-leg stands, heel-to-toe walking, and light agility exercises.
The stronger your stabilizing muscles are, the less likely you are to fall and the less likely you are to hit the ground or paddle. Not only will it protect your eyes, but it will also improve your reaction time and gaming performance.
3. Pay attention to your distance and location during the rally — When playing doubles, it’s easy to get too close to your partner or stand in the “kitchen” area for too long. Give yourself space. Taking a few steps back reduces exposure for high-speed shots traveling over 60 miles per hour.
If you tend to play close to the net, practice blocking with your paddle instead of relying on reflex head movements. Quick perception exercises, such as bouncing a ball against a wall and reacting when it bounces, help retrain your eyes and brain to anticipate impacts more quickly.
4. Upgrade your gear as the game evolves — Modern paddles produce much more power than those made just a few years ago. If you use carbon or foam core paddles, consider ones designed for control rather than maximum speed.
A soft paddle face absorbs more energy, reducing rebound speed and lowering the risk of injury. Also replace worn balls regularly. Old, cracked or overused balls often bounce unpredictably. Keeping your equipment in tip-top condition will protect both your eyes and your overall playing experience.
5. Build eye health from the inside out — Protecting your eyesight isn’t just about defense; it’s also about resilience. Eye-protecting nutrients like vitamin A, lutein, and zeaxanthin strengthen the retina and lens, helping the eye recover from light and exercise stress. You can find these ingredients in foods such as free-range egg yolks, grass-fed beef liver, orange peppers, and leafy greens. Think of it as preventive maintenance for your vision, just like you would care for your joints or muscles.
Staying safe doesn’t mean you have to have fun. Preparing your body, using the right equipment, and protecting your vision will help you play longer, stronger, and with more confidence. Pickleball is meant to energize, not injure. With a few smart adjustments, you can keep it that way.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eye Injuries from Pickleball
cue: Why are pickleball eye injuries becoming more common?
no way: Pickleball’s explosive popularity has led to millions of new players taking up the sport, often without proper eye protection. Modern paddles produce faster ball speeds of over 60 mph at close range, while older players, who make up the majority of players, have slower reaction times and poor balance. These factors have led to a dramatic increase in eye injuries in recent years.
cue: Who is most at risk for pickleball-related eye injuries?
no way: Players over 50 face the greatest risk due to age-related changes in balance, coordination and vision. But even young players are not immune. People who play aggressively or stand too close to the net are more likely to be hit in the face or eye with a ball or paddle.
cue: What Types of Eye Injuries Cause from Pickleball?
no way: Common injuries include corneal abrasions (surface scratches), hyphema (bleeding in the front of the eye), orbital fractures (broken bones around the eye), and retinal detachment (when the retina separates from the back of the eye). Even a single blow can cause lasting vision problems, which may require surgery if not treated immediately.
cue: How can I prevent eye injuries when playing pickleball?
no way: Wear vandal-resistant glasses that meet ASTM F3164 safety standards. Regular sunglasses or prescription glasses are not strong enough. Strengthen your balance, warm up before playing, and keep your distance from your partner during doubles. Keep your equipment in good condition and replace cracked or worn balls.
cue: What are the most important takeaways for players?
no way: Pickleball should be fun and social, not dangerous. The biggest step you can take is prevention. This means wearing protective eyewear, being careful on the court, and respecting the pace of the game. Simple habits will protect your vision for a lifetime and help you play safely for years to come.
