PICKLEBALL is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, and unfortunately, with the booming popularity is a rush in injuries - particularly those involving the eye.
Hospitals have seen a surge in eye injuries from the sport, according to US researchers, who looked at emergency department data from 2005-24.
An estimated 3,112 pickleball-related eye injuries were observed over the 20-year time period - however, around 40% of those cases occurred just last year alone.
Researchers said there was an increase of about 400 cases each year from 2021-2024.
Some of the worst incidents included retinal detachment, broken eye sockets and eye bleeding, with researchers saying the sport likely needs guidelines around eye protection while playing.
Mechanisms of injury included a direct hit by a pickleball or a paddle, and falls.
Perhaps some picklers take the saying "keep your eye on the ball" slightly too literally.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 17 Oct 25
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