"Pickleball has quickly become huge in the United States, with nearly 20 million people playing the sport. But that popularity comes with a price. With more people on the court, pickleball-related eye injuries, including lacerations around the eye, corneal abrasions and inflamed irises, have increased. A study published this week in JAMA Ophthalmology estimates that the incidence of these injuries has risen dramatically, going up by an estimated 405 cases each year from 2021 to 2024."
"The study found that 70% of cases were in adults 50 years or older. Dr. Natasha Desai, the co-director for the Center for Women's Sports Medicine at NYU Langone, was surprised to see this finding because a large share of sports-related injuries occur in young players. Desai, who wasn't involved in this study, doesn't think the sport is necessarily getting more dangerous."
Pickleball participation in the United States has grown to nearly 20 million players, coinciding with rising eye injuries including lacerations around the eye, corneal abrasions, and inflamed irises. Emergency-department data indicate an increase of about 405 cases per year between 2021 and 2024. Seventy percent of cases occurred in adults aged 50 or older. Injury mechanisms include being struck by the ball or paddle and falls during fast-paced play on small courts. Protective eyewear can prevent up to 90% of sports-related eye injuries. Implementation of standardized eye-protection guidelines is advised; some sports, like squash, already mandate them.
Read at www.npr.org
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