Young athletes participating in racket sports, such as tennis, pickleball, and squash, face significant risks to their eye health. These risks are particularly pronounced for those who wear glasses, as many parents and coaches overlook the importance of appropriate protective eyewear. A single miscalculated swing or a fast serve can lead to severe ocular injuries, including permanent vision loss. Alarmingly, these injuries are largely preventable.
Data from Allentown reveals that between 2015 and 2025, youth athletes aged 10-18 have been at a heightened risk for eye injuries while playing racket sports. The reality is that many parents remain unaware of the existence of specialized sports glasses, often mistakenly believing that regular prescription glasses provide adequate protection. In truth, prescription glasses can shatter upon impact, with sharp fragments posing additional risks to the eyes.
A review published in the journal Clinics in Sports Medicine highlights that racket sports are a leading cause of sports-related eye injuries in the United States. The high speed of the small balls used in these sports, combined with the often slower reaction times of younger players, creates an environment ripe for accidents. According to a 2024 study encompassing 20 prior research efforts, a staggering 93% of eye injuries in racket sports occurred when athletes were not wearing protective eyewear.
The rise in popularity of pickleball, particularly among younger athletes, compounds these safety concerns. Between 2005 and 2024, there were approximately 3,112 pickleball-related ocular injuries, with an estimated 1,262 injuries occurring in 2024 alone, as reported in JAMA Ophthalmology. Tennis also presents significant risks; from 2000 to 2019, nearly 16,000 emergency department visits in the U.S. were attributed to tennis-related eye injuries, primarily affecting boys aged 11-15.
To ensure the safety of youth athletes, it is essential that no child enters a court without proper protective eyewear. The American Academy of Ophthalmology now recommends that players in racket sports adhere to guidelines set forth by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). These guidelines specify that protective eyewear must meet ASTM safety standards, utilizing materials like polycarbonate, which is about 150 times stronger than standard glass.
Experts also advocate for additional safety features, such as impact-resistant lenses, wraparound frames for comprehensive coverage, and anti-fog coatings, to maximize protection during play. Parents are encouraged to choose ASTM-certified sports glasses specifically designed for racket sports and to educate their children on the importance of wearing them.
Coaches and athletic staff play a crucial role in promoting eye safety by encouraging athletes to keep their protective eyewear on during practices and games. Leading by example is vital, as the same commitment should be reflected in training programs and facilities dedicated to racket sports.
To raise awareness, a community outreach campaign utilizing social media and posters can effectively reach youth athletes and their parents. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X can serve as channels for urgent messages about the importance of eye safety. Posters and information should also be distributed at local tennis, pickleball, and racquetball facilities.
If families, coaches, leagues, schools, and healthcare professionals collaborate, they can establish a culture of safety in youth racket sports, ensuring that ASTM-certified protective eyewear becomes the norm. By doing so, every child stepping onto a court can leave with their vision intact, safeguarding their future both on and off the court.
