23 October 2025
US researchers have described an increase in the number of ocular injuries linked to pickleball.
Writing in JAMA Ophthalmology, the scientists analysed data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database between 2005 and 2024.
Researchers used a population-based sample of cases over the time period to estimate ocular injuries from the sport nationally.
They estimated that there were 3112 pickleball injuries nationally between 2005 and 2024 – with more than a third of these injuries occurring in 2024 alone.
“This study found that pickleball-related eye injuries have increased at an alarming rate over the past four years as the sport continues to grow in popularity,” the authors highlighted.
They added that eye protection is not currently mandatory for casual or professional play.
The most common injuries sustained within the sample group of pickleball players were periocular laceration (35%), corneal abrasion (16%) and iritis (8%).
Globe trauma, orbital fracture, hyphema, periocular contusion and retinal detachment were among less common injuries linked to pickleball.
The study authors noted that the increasing number of injuries has risen in parallel with increased pickleball participation, The number of people playing the sport in the US has tripled since 2020.
The study authors highlighted that 70% of all ocular injuries linked to pickleball occurred among players aged 50 and older.
“Increasing awareness for age-specific risk factors and establishing standardized recommendations for eye protection may help reduce injury rates and prevent vision loss,” the authors highlighted.
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