America’s fastest-growing sport has a lot to offer. But it isn’t all fun and games: Some players have
experienced injuries ranging from a black eye to a tear in the retina. The sport can still be safely enjoyed
with proper eye protection.
Players hit a perforated plastic ball using hard paddles on a court approximately half the size of a tennis
court. The ball moves quickly, up to 40 miles per hour during a serve. The risk of eye injury is higher in
doubles games because two players are always close to the net and have less time to avoid a fast-flying
ball. Being hit in the eye with a paddle can also cause eye injury.
Several kinds of eye injuries can happen:
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- Corneal abrasion, where the surface of eye gets scratched from the edge of a ball
- Dislocations of the eyes’ natural lens after being hit in the eye with a pickleball
- Retinal tear or detachment from being hit directly in the eye
- These injuries can impair vision, cause bleeding in the eye and even require laser treatment or surgery.
Eye protection may reduce the risk of injury. Wrap-around polycarbonate safety goggles provide the
maximum level of eye protection. Even sunglasses or regular glasses are better than nothing.
Players who get hit in the eye while playing pickleball should see an eye professional right away if they
notice a change or loss in vision or if they have substantial pain, bleeding, or bruising.
For more tips and information, visit www.eyesmart.org.