Rydz Cezary, Colmenarez Jose A, Shahraki Kourosh, Dong Pengfei, Gu Linxia, Suh Donny W
Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92617, USA.
Department of Biomedical Engineering and Science, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL 32901, USA.
Bioengineering (Basel). 2025 May 26;12(6):570. doi: 10.3390/bioengineering12060570.
Pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in the United States, has seen a rapid increase in participation across all age groups, particularly among older adults. However, the sport introduces specific risks for ocular injuries due to the unique dynamics of gameplay and the physical properties of the pickleball. This study aims to explore the mechanisms of pickleball-related eye injuries, utilizing finite element modeling (FEM) to simulate ocular trauma and better understand injury mechanisms. A multi-modal approach was employed to investigate pickleball-related ocular injuries. Finite element modeling (FEM) was used to simulate blunt trauma to the eye caused by a pickleball. The FEM incorporated detailed anatomical models of the periorbital structures, cornea, sclera, and vitreous body, using hyperelastic material properties derived from experimental data. The simulations evaluated various impact scenarios, including changes in ball velocity, angle of impact, and material stiffness, to determine the stress distribution, peak strain, and deformation in ocular structures. The FEM outputs were correlated with clinical findings to validate the injury mechanisms. The FE analysis revealed that the rigid, hard-plastic construction of a pickleball results in concentrated stress and strain transfer to ocular structures upon impact. At velocities exceeding 30 mph, simulations showed significant corneal deformation, with peak stresses localized at the limbus and anterior sclera. Moreover, our results show a significant stress applied to lens zonules (as high as 0.35 MPa), leading to potential lens dislocation. Posterior segment deformation was also observed, with high strain levels in the retina and vitreous, consistent with clinical observations of retinal tears and vitreous hemorrhage. Validation against reported injuries confirmed the model's accuracy in predicting both mild injuries (e.g., corneal abrasions) and severe outcomes (e.g., hyphema, globe rupture). Finite element analysis provides critical insights into the biomechanical mechanisms underlying pickleball-related ocular injuries. The findings underscore the need for preventive measures, particularly among older adults, who exhibit age-related vulnerabilities. Education on the importance of wearing protective eyewear and optimizing game rules to minimize high-risk scenarios, such as close-range volleys, is essential. Further refinement of the FEM, including parametric studies and integration of protective eyewear, can guide the development of safety standards and reduce the socio-economic burden of these injuries.
匹克球是美国发展最快的运动，参与人数在各年龄段都迅速增加，尤其是老年人。然而，由于匹克球独特的游戏动态和物理特性，这项运动带来了眼部受伤的特定风险。本研究旨在探索与匹克球相关的眼外伤机制，利用有限元建模（FEM）模拟眼部创伤并更好地理解损伤机制。采用多模态方法研究与匹克球相关的眼部损伤。有限元建模用于模拟匹克球对眼睛造成的钝性创伤。该有限元模型纳入了眶周结构、角膜、巩膜和玻璃体的详细解剖模型，使用从实验数据得出的超弹性材料特性。模拟评估了各种撞击场景，包括球速变化、撞击角度和材料刚度，以确定眼部结构中的应力分布、峰值应变和变形。有限元模型的输出结果与临床发现相关联，以验证损伤机制。有限元分析表明，匹克球坚硬的硬塑料结构导致撞击时应力和应变集中传递到眼部结构。当速度超过每小时30英里时，模拟显示角膜有明显变形，峰值应力集中在角膜缘和前巩膜。此外，我们的结果显示晶状体悬韧带受到显著应力（高达0.35兆帕），导致晶状体脱位的可能性。还观察到眼后段变形，视网膜和玻璃体中有高应变水平，这与视网膜撕裂和玻璃体出血的临床观察结果一致。与报告的损伤进行验证证实了该模型在预测轻度损伤（如角膜擦伤）和严重后果（如前房积血、眼球破裂）方面的准确性。有限元分析为与匹克球相关的眼部损伤背后的生物力学机制提供了关键见解。研究结果强调了预防措施的必要性，特别是在老年人中，他们存在与年龄相关的脆弱性。关于佩戴防护眼镜的重要性以及优化游戏规则以尽量减少高风险场景（如近距离截击）的教育至关重要。有限元模型的进一步完善，包括参数研究和防护眼镜的整合，可以指导安全标准的制定并减轻这些损伤的社会经济负担。
