Ocular Risks Associated with Padel and Pickleball

Racket sports have surged in popularity over the past decade, with pickleball and padel in particular enjoying explosive global growth. While their appeal lies in sociability, ease of play and accessibility across age groups, eye care professionals are reporting a parallel rise in significant ocular injuries linked to both sports.

From mild corneal abrasions to severe retinal detachment, racket sport injuries can pose a genuine threat to long-term vision. Understanding the risks and how to protect against them, is essential for players at every level.

Pickleball: Growth in Participation, Growth in Injuries

A recent analysis published in JAMA Ophthalmology examined data from the US National Electronic Injury Surveillance System between 2005 and 2024. Researchers estimated 3,112 pickleball-related ocular injuries over that period, with over one-third occurring in 2024 alone as the sport’s popularity skyrocketed.

The most frequently reported eye injuries in pickleball players included:

• Periocular laceration (35%)
• Corneal abrasion (16%)
• Iritis (8%)

Less common but more vision-threatening injuries included:

• Globe trauma
• Orbital fracture
• Hyphema
• Retinal detachment

Importantly, 70% of all reported pickleball ocular injuries involved players aged 50+, a demographic strongly represented within the sport. The study authors noted that eye protection is neither standard nor mandatory in pickleball.

With US participation tripling since 2020 and rapidly growing in the UK, researchers warn that injuries are rising at an “alarming rate,” highlighting the need for awareness and evidence based protective recommendations.

Padel: A Leading Cause of Sports-Related Eye Trauma

While pickleball dominates headlines in North America, padel has become a major cause of ophthalmic emergencies across Europe, particularly in Spain and the Nordic countries.

Padel carries unique ocular risks due to:

• Fast ball velocity
• Small playing space
• Wall rebound behaviour
• Close proximity of players
• High racket swing density

In Spain, eye care clinics report weekly cases of significant padel-related eye injury. In Sweden, padel recently became the leading cause of sports-related eye injuries, prompting calls for protective eyewear recommendations.

Common Padel-Related Injuries

While many mild or moderate presentations respond to topical treatments, severe injuries may require surgery, and vision recovery is not always guaranteed.

Why Are These Injuries Happening?

Across both sports, several consistent risk factors emerge:

• Ball velocity & rebound unpredictability
• Close player interaction
• Non-mandatory eye protection
• High participation among older adults
• Outdoor UV exposure (padel)
• Indoor LED glare (pickleball/padel)

Unlike sports such as squash or lacrosse, racket games like padel and pickleball have not historically enforced protective eyewear standards, despite comparable ocular hazard levels.

How Players Can Protect Their Eyes

Awareness remains the most powerful tool in preventing avoidable vision damage. Many new players underestimate how quickly a disabling injury can occur.

Protective Eyewear

Specialist sports eyewear offers the best defence. Features to look for include:

• Polycarbonate lenses(high impact resistance)
• Photochromic lenses(adapt to indoor/outdoor lighting)
• Optional polarised or mirrored filters(reduce sunlight and glare)
• Prescription compatibility— including single vision, toric, and progressive options

Just as players would not wear office shoes on court, standard spectacles are unsuitable and unsafe for sport, offering neither impact protection nor stability.

A Safety Conversation That Needs to Catch Up

The rising incidence of eye injuries associated with padel and pickleball highlights a gap between participation and safety standards. As these sports continue their rapid rise, clear recommendations for protective eyewear could reduce the risk of preventable trauma and long-term vision impairment.

At Lesley Cree Opticians, we advise players — particularly those new to pickleball or padel, or those in higher-risk age groups, to seek advice on appropriate protective eyewear before stepping on court. Your eyesight is irreplaceable; protecting it is far easier than repairing it.

If you have any concerns about your eye health, early detection is key to preventing vision loss. Schedule an appointment at one of our practices today:

Radcliffe: 0115 933 2999
Keyworth: 0115 937 5521
Ruddington: 0115 921 2992