Playing pickleball can help detect early signs of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss among seniors.
Pickleball enthusiasts across the nation are not only enjoying the fast-paced game but also benefiting from its unexpected contribution to their eye health. Linda Corcoran, a 79-year-old avid pickleball player, shares her remarkable story of how the game helped preserve her vision.
In 2021, Corcoran noticed distorted lines on the pickleball court. She also experienced floaters and wavy lines in both eyes. Worried about her vision, she consulted her eye specialist, Dr. Matthew Cunningham of the Florida Retina Institute.
Pickleball: A Game-Changer for Seniors' Vision Health
Dr. Cunningham diagnosed Corcoran with wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD), the leading cause of vision loss for people over 65. Symptoms include blurred vision, blind spots, difficulty distinguishing colors, and wavy lines.
Pickleball proved to be an effective tool in detecting early signs of wet AMD for Corcoran. "Lines on the pickleball court were an effective indicator of her vision, as she saw something that was supposed to be straight appearing wavy," Dr. Cunningham explained.
Pickleball: A Game-Changer for Seniors' Vision Health
For many pickleball players, noticing wavy lines on the court signals the need for immediate eye examination. Other warning signs include crooked window blinds or wavy flagpoles. Early detection is crucial for preventing vision loss due to wet AMD.
Treatments for wet AMD include intravitreal injections, but newer medications like Vabysmo have extended intervals between injections. After other medications proved ineffective, Dr. Cunningham recommended Vabysmo for Corcoran.
Pickleball: A Game-Changer for Seniors' Vision Health
Vabysmo, administered every 10 weeks, targets two causes of wet AMD. After a year of treatment, Corcoran's vision has significantly improved, allowing her to continue playing pickleball and other activities.
Today, Corocan is grateful for the role pickleball played in detecting her vision issue. "It's overwhelming to feel like your hobbies and socializing are in jeopardy when you start to see changes in your vision," she said. "I feel lucky to have found a treatment like Vabysmo."
Pickleball: A Game-Changer for Seniors' Vision Health
Dr. Cunningham emphasizes the importance of annual eye exams, especially for seniors or those with diabetes or hypertension, which can impact eye health. "You don't need to wait to see an eye doctor, as we have a number of tests that can identify early signs of diseases before symptoms appear," he added.
Over half of pickleball players in the US are over 55, making it a popular activity for seniors. By raising awareness about its potential impact on vision health, pickleball can empower seniors to take proactive steps towards preserving their eyesight.
Pickleball: A Game-Changer for Seniors' Vision Health
