Pickleball is a paddle or racket sport in which four or two players use a smooth paddle to hit a hollow, perforated plastic ball over a 34-inch net, until one team or side is unable to return the ball or breaks a rule. Invented in 1965 as a backyard game for children in the U.S., pickleball can be played both indoors and outdoors. Pickleball has exploded in popularity across the country, especially among adults over 50
who enjoy its fun, social, and low-impact pace. However, with its rise in popularity has come
a concerning trend — a surge in serious eye injuries related to the sport.
A recent Medscape report revealed that more than 3,100 pickleball-related eye injuries
were treated in U.S. emergency departments between 2005 and 2024, and nearly 70
percent occurred in players aged 50 and older. The number of cases continues to climb, with
over 1,200 eye injuries in 2024 alone.
While pickleball is generally considered a safe and social game, the combination of fast-
moving plastic balls, compact courts, and close-range volleys can put eyes in harm’s way.
Reflexes can slow slightly with age, depth perception can change, and conditions such as
cataracts or glaucoma may subtly affect reaction times.
Eye injuries from pickleball can range from corneal abrasions and orbital fractures to
hyphema (bleeding in the eye) and retinal detachment. Even mild trauma can cause lasting
vision changes if not addressed quickly. If you ever experience redness, soreness, floaters,
flashes of light, or blurred vision after being struck in the eye, it’s important to be evaluated
immediately.
The good news is that most pickleball-related eye injuries are completely preventable.
Here’s how to keep your eyes safe while enjoying the sports you love to play:
• Wear impact-resistant eyewear. Use polycarbonate sports goggles or glasses rated to
ASTM F803 standards. Regular sunglasses are not designed to protect against impact. We
often recommend Trivex, which is lighter and more scratch-resistant, with improved optical
clarity compared to polycarbonate.
• Use single-vision lenses while playing. Progressive or bifocal lenses can distort depth
perception and court awareness.
• Stay hydrated and keep your eyes lubricated. Dry or irritated eyes can affect focus and delay
reaction time.
• Know the warning signs. Flashes, floaters, or sudden vision loss after impact may signal
retinal damage — seek prompt medical attention.
At SouthWest Vision, we’re passionate about helping our patients protect their most
valuable piece of sports equipment — their eyes. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or new
to the pickleball craze, our doctors provide comprehensive eye exams, protective-eyewear recommendations, and treatment for sports-related eye injuries to keep you seeing clearly
and playing confidently.
Get clarity and confidence by protecting your eyes with sports-specific eyewear from
SouthWest Vision — your doubles partner will thank you.
Call 435-673-5577 or visit www.SouthWestVision.com to schedule your appointment today.
Dr Hutchins recently joined SouthWest Vision and is now accepting new patients. His
background includes specialization in sports vision, concussion rehabilitation, and neuro-
visual training. He has worked with professional and elite athletes including MLB players,
U.S. Air Force personnel, and the U.S. Olympic Ski Team.
Article by Dr. Taylor Hutchins
Photography by Provided by SouthWest Vision
Originally published in St George City Lifestyle