Urgent: Badminton Injuries Surge – Eye Trauma Cases Rise, Experts Warn
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – What many consider a leisurely pastime is revealing a hidden danger. A new report from the National Medical University of Malaysia is highlighting a concerning rise in serious eye injuries sustained while playing badminton. The findings, published in the Cureus Journal, are prompting urgent calls for increased awareness and the use of protective eyewear.
The Unexpected Risk: A Closer Look at the Data
Badminton, enjoyed by millions worldwide, is often perceived as a low-impact sport. However, ophthalmology staff at the National Medical University of Malaysia have documented a significant number of eye traumas. Their research, analyzing 17 cases between March 2021 and November 2025, focused on seven patients with available initial medical photos. The data reveals a pattern: most injuries occur in young, active individuals, with a slight prevalence among men.
The cases included a 9-year-old boy, several teenagers, and adults up to age 62. Four injuries were directly caused by a shuttlecock impact, two stemmed from broken glasses shattering during play, and one resulted from a racket strike. While most patients initially had good vision, two already exhibited significant visual acuity loss upon presentation. The most severe cases involved corneal sclera lacerations (tears in the eye’s outer layer) and hyphema (bleeding within the eye), leading to potentially permanent vision impairment.
A Devastating Case: Broken Glass, Broken Vision
Perhaps the most harrowing case involved a 16-year-old male whose vision was critically compromised when fragments of broken glasses penetrated his eyeball. Despite emergency surgery, doctors expressed a grim prognosis. This case underscores the vulnerability of players who don’t wear appropriate eye protection, and the dangers of playing with standard, non-sports-rated eyewear.
Beyond Malaysia: A Global Concern
This isn’t just a localized issue. Statistics reveal badminton accounts for approximately two-thirds of sports-related eye trauma cases in Malaysia. A UK study corroborates this, finding that 14.3% of all sports eye injuries are linked to badminton. This highlights a consistent, global risk that is often underestimated.
Why Badminton? The Physics of the Problem
The speed of a shuttlecock – reaching over 300 km/h (186 mph) in professional play – combined with its small size and hard plastic or feather construction, creates a significant projectile hazard. The unpredictable trajectory of the shuttlecock adds to the risk, making it difficult to anticipate and react. Furthermore, the close proximity of players during a game increases the likelihood of accidental impact.
Protecting Your Sight: A Simple Solution
Medical professionals are clear: the risk of serious eye trauma while playing badminton is real, yet often overlooked. The solution is straightforward: wear protective eyewear. Sports-specific glasses or goggles, designed to withstand high-impact forces, can significantly reduce the risk of injury. These aren’t your everyday glasses; they’re engineered with polycarbonate lenses and robust frames to provide maximum protection.
Don’t let a fun game turn into a lifetime of vision problems. Prioritize your eye health and make protective eyewear a non-negotiable part of your badminton gear. For more information on sports eye safety and finding appropriate eyewear, visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s website: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/sports-eye-injuries. Staying informed and taking preventative measures is the best defense against these preventable injuries.
This emerging trend in badminton-related eye injuries serves as a crucial reminder that even seemingly harmless activities can pose risks. By acknowledging these dangers and adopting simple safety precautions, players can continue to enjoy the sport without jeopardizing their precious vision.
