Pickleball‘s Rising Popularity Linked to Increasing Eye Injuries: What You Need to Know
Pickleball is booming. What started as a retirement community pastime has rapidly become one of the fastest-growing sports in the US, attracting players of all ages and athletic abilities. However, this surge in popularity is coinciding with a concerning trend: a notable rise in eye injuries related to the sport. A recent study reveals a considerable increase in pickleball-related ocular trauma treated in emergency departments nationwide.
The numbers Tell the Story
Researchers analyzing data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) found a dramatic jump in eye injuries linked to pickleball between 2022 and 2023. Specifically, they observed a nearly 150% increase in these incidents. This raises critically important questions about safety and awareness within the rapidly expanding pickleball community.
What Types of Injuries Are We seeing?
The injuries reported range in severity. Here’s a breakdown of the most common issues:
* Periocular Lacerations: Cuts around the eye are the most frequent injury.
* Corneal Scratches: Scratches to the clear front surface of the eye can be painful and impact vision.
* Iris Inflammation: Inflammation of the colored part of your eye.
* Periocular Contusions (Black Eyes): Bruising around the eye.
* More Serious Injuries: These include:
* hyphema: Blood pooling in the front of the eye.
* Orbital Fracture: A break in the bone surrounding the eye.
* Retinal Detachment: Separation of the retina from the back of the eye.
* Globe Trauma: Rupture of the eyeball itself, often from blunt force.
The most common causes of these injuries? being struck by the ball or paddle, or falling during play.
Why the Increase? Is it Just More Players?
While the sheer increase in pickleball players undoubtedly contributes to the higher number of injuries, researchers suggest other factors might potentially be at play. Recent surveys indicate the growth is largely driven by “casual players” – those who play less frequently. This suggests that limited experience, unfamiliarity with the game, or possibly lower levels of physical fitness could be increasing susceptibility to injury.
However, more research is needed to confirm this suspicion. it’s important to remember the NEISS data represents a sample of emergency departments, and doesn’t capture those seeking care in outpatient clinics.
The Importance of Eye Protection
Currently, there are no official guidelines mandating eye protection in pickleball. This is a critical gap. The American academy of Ophthalmology recommends wearing protective eyewear during games, but this advice isn’t widely promoted by pickleball organizations.
You can find more facts on recommended eye protection from the AAO here: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/pickleball-eye-protection-black-eye
What Can Be Done?
The study authors emphasize the need for increased awareness and standardized recommendations for eye protection.Here’s what you can do to protect your vision:
* consider Protective Eyewear: invest in sports-specific glasses or goggles designed to shield your eyes from impact.
* Warm Up Properly: Prepare your body and reaction time before hitting the court.
* Be Aware of Your surroundings: Pay attention to other players and the trajectory of the ball and paddle.
* Take Lessons: Proper instruction can improve your technique and reduce your risk of injury.
* Know Your Limits: Don’t push yourself beyond your physical capabilities.
The data clearly points to a potentially “alarming” trend. Prioritizing eye safety is crucial to ensuring that everyone can enjoy the benefits of this increasingly popular sport without risking their vision.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to offer medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
