Study Reveals Low Protective Eyewear Usage Among Pickleball Players

Participants in the fast-growing sport of pickleball may be jeopardizing their eye safety, according to a new study conducted by ophthalmology resident Daniel Henick, MD, at Yale-New Haven Medical Center. The research highlights a concerning trend: those most likely to suffer injuries are often the least likely to wear protective eyewear. Dr. Henick’s findings will be presented at AAO 2025, the 129th annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

To assess protective eyewear habits among both professional and amateur players, Dr. Henick distributed a survey across various pickleball facilities and analyzed footage from a recent professional tournament. He collected a total of 148 responses from players in New Haven County. The results reveal that only 20% of professional players and a mere 5% of amateur players utilized protective eyewear during games.

Dr. Henick underscored the implications of these findings, stating that professional players may be at greater risk for injuries due to the game’s rapid pace. “Eye protection is recommended for players at all levels,” he noted, emphasizing that the fast-moving nature of pickleball can lead to unexpected injuries.

Among the amateur players surveyed, younger individuals were particularly less likely to don protective eyewear. Of the 67 players who reported using some form of eye protection, only 26 utilized dedicated protective eyewear, while 41 opted for their regular prescription glasses.

Despite their cheerful appearance, the brightly colored, plastic, perforated pickleballs can be deceptively dangerous. The average serve can reach speeds of up to 40 mph, posing a significant risk to unprotected players. Previous studies have documented a variety of eye injuries linked to the sport, including bruising, black eyes, corneal abrasions, and tears in the retina that can threaten vision.

Dr. Henick’s survey indicated that many players were unaware of the potential dangers posed by pickleball. Concerns about comfort and interference with gameplay were cited as reasons for not wearing protective eyewear. “Most people think that eye injuries rarely happen when a ball is hit by an opposing player across the net,” Dr. Henick explained. “In truth, injuries are more likely to occur when the ball bounces off your or your partner’s paddle at an unusual angle towards your face and eyes. You can’t prepare for or react quickly enough to these deflections, making protective eyewear essential.”

In light of these findings, Dr. Henick aims to promote awareness campaigns that educate players of all ages on the importance of high-quality eye protection. He advocates for the development of more comfortable protective eyewear to encourage broader adoption. “Eye protection is a small investment that can make a substantial difference,” he said. “And it’s not just for people who need glasses. I hope this study marks the beginning of a long-term initiative to change the culture surrounding protective eyewear in pickleball.”

The American Academy of Ophthalmology serves as the world’s largest association of eye physicians and surgeons, advocating for patient care and advancing the field of ophthalmology.