Study Reveals Low Eye Protection Usage Among Pickleball Players

A recent study led by Dr. Daniel Henick, an ophthalmology resident at Yale-New Haven Medical Center, highlights a concerning trend among pickleball players regarding the use of eye protection. Despite the increasing popularity of the sport, the research shows that those most likely to suffer injuries are often the least likely to wear protective eyewear. The findings will be presented at the upcoming AAO 2025, the 129th annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

To explore eye safety habits among both professional and amateur players, Dr. Henick distributed a survey across various pickleball facilities and analyzed footage from a recent professional tournament. The study gathered responses from 148 amateur players in New Haven County and revealed alarming statistics regarding eye protection.

Among the key findings, only 20% of professional players reported using protective eyewear, while a mere 5% of amateur players followed suit. Interestingly, younger amateur players were less likely to adopt protective measures.

Dr. Henick noted that this trend is troubling, especially considering the fast-paced nature of pickleball games, which can significantly increase the risk of eye injuries. The average serve can reach speeds of up to 40 mph, and players have experienced a variety of eye injuries, including corneal abrasions and even vision-threatening retinal tears.

Despite these risks, many players choose not to wear eye protection, often due to a lack of awareness regarding the potential dangers or concerns about comfort and interference with their game. Dr. Henick emphasized the misconception that injuries primarily occur from balls hit by opponents. Instead, he pointed out that injuries are often the result of unexpected ball deflections that players cannot anticipate.

“Most people think that eye injuries rarely happen when a ball is hit by an opposing player across the net, but in truth, injuries are more likely to happen when the ball bounces off your or your partner’s paddle at an unusual angle towards your face and eyes,” Dr. Henick explained. “You can’t prepare for or have the reflex speed to deal with these deflections, so the best protection is to always use protective eyewear.”

Dr. Henick aims to raise awareness about the importance of protective eyewear in pickleball and believes that the creation of more comfortable options could encourage greater adoption among players. “I want people to understand that eye protection is a small investment that can make a humongous difference,” he stated.

He hopes this study will serve as a catalyst for long-term initiatives promoting the culture of eye safety in pickleball, urging players of all ages and skill levels to prioritize their vision.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology continues to advocate for patient education and safety in eye care. With a global community of 32,000 medical doctors, the organization works to innovate and support research to deliver the highest quality of eye care.

For more information about eye health and safety, visit aao.org.