- Pickleball-related eye injuries reached an estimated 1,262 cases in 2024, nearly tripling rates from prior years.
- Most injuries occurred in men (56%) and adults aged at least 50 years (70%), reflecting the sport’s older participant base.
- The most common injuries were periocular lacerations (35%), corneal abrasions (16%), and iritis (8%); severe trauma accounted for less than 5% of cases.
- Ball impact (43%) and falls (28%) were the leading causes, with fall-related injuries affecting older patients (mean age 68 years).
- Researchers recommended establishing standardized eye protection guidelines to mitigate preventable ocular trauma among pickleball players.
Source: JAMA Ophthalmology
