You’ve heard the sound. That distinctive pop-pop-POP echoing from local parks, community centers, and even driveways. Pickleball is, without a doubt, the fastest-growing sport in America, and its appeal is obvious. It’s social, easy to learn, and provides a great workout for all ages.
But as the sport has exploded in popularity, emergency rooms and ophthalmologists’ offices have started noticing a new, alarming trend: a serious spike in eye injuries.
It turns out your new favorite pastime has a hidden, high-speed risk.
Why Is This Happening?
At first glance, pickleball seems far safer than high-contact sports. But the game’s unique design creates a perfect storm for eye injuries.
- Close Quarters: Unlike tennis, pickleball players spend most of their time clustered near the 7-foot non-volley zone (the “kitchen”). This puts you in close-quarters combat, just a few feet away from your opponent and their paddle.
- The Ball: A pickleball is not a soft, fuzzy tennis ball. It’s a hard, unyielding piece of plastic with holes. When hit with force—especially during a fast volley exchange or a smash—it doesn’t “give.” It’s a small, hard projectile flying at high speeds.
- The Line of Fire: The objective of the game is often to hit the ball at your opponents’ feet, but fast-paced drives are aimed directly at the body. A slight mis-hit or a deflection off a paddle can send that hard ball straight into a player’s face before they even have time to react.
This Isn’t Just a Black Eye
Doctors aren’t just treating simple bruises. The types of injuries being reported are severe and, in some cases, sight-threatening.
We’re talking about:
- Corneal Abrasions: Painful scratches on the surface of the eye.
- Hyphema: Bleeding in the front chamber of the eye, which can block vision and increase eye pressure.
- Retinal Detachment: A “curtain” falling over your vision. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate surgery to prevent permanent blindness.
The Solution is Surprisingly Simple
So, do you need to hang up your paddle? Absolutely not.
The solution is incredibly simple and, unfortunately, often overlooked: Wear protective eyewear.
And no, your regular sunglasses or prescription glasses don’t count. While they are certainly better than nothing, they are not rated for impact. In fact, they can sometimes shatter upon being hit, potentially making the injury even worse.
What you need is a pair of impact-resistant sports glasses or goggles. Look for eyewear made from polycarbonate material, which is virtually shatterproof. These are the same kinds of glasses worn for sports like racquetball or squash. They are specifically designed to withstand a high-velocity impact from a small ball.
Yes, they might fog up. No, they may not be the peak of fashion. But they are the single most effective tool for preventing a life-altering injury.
Pickleball is a fantastic sport that has brought joy and health to millions. Don’t let a preventable accident take you out of the game. Play hard, have fun, and protect your eyes.
