LIVONIA, Mich. (WXYZ) — Pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sports in America, with nearly 20 million players and growth exceeding 300% since 2020. But doctors are warning that the sport's explosive popularity is bringing an unexpected risk: a dramatic increase in serious eye injuries.
The fast-moving balls, sometimes traveling over 40 mph, are causing a spike in retinal detachments, fractures and severe bruising, particularly among players over 50.
Watch Meghan Daniels' video report below: Pickleball injuries spike as sport's popularity grows, doctors warn of serious eye damage
"Suddenly, we have a lot more casual players than we used to have," said Clara Colón, an ophthalmologist with the Detroit Medical Center. "In the last four years, that number has risen quite drama