Young athletes participating in racket sports such as tennis, pickleball, and squash face a significant risk of eye injuries, according to recent findings. The alarming truth is that protective eyewear is often overlooked by parents and coaches, despite the potential for serious injuries. A single miscalculated swing or a fast serve can lead to devastating consequences, including shattered glasses and permanent vision loss.
From 2015 to 2025, youth athletes aged 10-18 in Allentown have shown a heightened vulnerability to eye injuries while engaging in racket sports. This issue is compounded by a lack of awareness among parents regarding the need for specialized sports glasses. Many believe that prescription eyewear offers adequate protection, which is a misconception. In reality, these glasses can easily break, sending shards of glass toward the eye and causing additional harm.
The risks associated with racket sports are particularly pronounced for younger players. A comprehensive review conducted in 2024 analyzed 20 studies and revealed that an alarming 93% of racket-related eye injuries occurred when athletes were not wearing protective eyewear. This is concerning, especially in a sport where ball speeds can be quite high, coupled with the slower reaction times and less-developed coordination skills of younger competitors.
Racket sports are a leading cause of sports-related eye injuries in the United States. A report published in Clinics in Sports Medicine emphasizes the danger posed by the small balls and the high velocities involved in these games. The increasing popularity of pickleball has also contributed to the problem. Research from JAMA Ophthalmology indicates that between 2005 and 2024, there were approximately 3,112 pickleball-related ocular injuries, with 1,262 occurring in just 2024.
In tennis, the statistics are similarly striking. From 2000 to 2019, the United States recorded around 16,000 emergency department visits due to tennis-related eye injuries, predominantly among boys aged 11-15. The most common injuries happened among younger players, highlighting the urgent need for protective measures.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology now strongly advocates that youth athletes participating in racket sports should wear protective eyewear that meets the guidelines set forth by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). These standards dictate that sports glasses should be made from polycarbonate, a highly shatter-resistant material that is approximately 150 times stronger than traditional glasses. Additional features such as impact-resistant lenses, wraparound frames for broader coverage, and antifog lenses are also recommended to enhance safety.
Parents have a critical role in ensuring the safety of their children while engaging in racket sports. It is essential they choose ASTM-certified sports glasses specifically designed for these activities. Open discussions with children about the importance of wearing protective eyewear can further solidify this practice. Coaches and athletic staff should prioritize eye safety by encouraging young athletes to consistently wear their glasses during practices and matches.
Racket sports facilities and programs also need to adopt these practices, especially during youth clinics, tournaments, and open-court play. An outreach campaign that utilizes social media and posters could effectively communicate the importance of eye safety to youth athletes and their parents. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X can serve as valuable tools for delivering engaging messages about the necessity of protective eyewear.
By fostering a collaborative effort among families, coaches, leagues, schools, and health professionals, communities can establish a standard for youth racket sports. Ensuring that every young athlete has access to and wears ASTM-certified protective eyewear can make a significant difference. Ultimately, this commitment to safety will help ensure that every child stepping onto a court walks off with their vision intact.
This piece reflects the views of Casey T. Knipe, a student at Muhlenberg College, and does not necessarily represent the views of this publication.
