Players of pickleball are recognized for experiencing various physical and cognitive advantages — but for one woman from Florida, this popular game also contributed to preserving her vision.
Linda Corcoran, 79, a dedicated pickleball enthusiast and great-grandmother, has been engaging in this paddle sport three times a week for the past four to five years.
In 2021, she noticed something wasn’t quite right; the lines on the court started to seem wavy and distorted.
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“Aside from affecting my gameplay, I was genuinely concerned about what these symptoms indicated for my vision and overall eye health,” Corcoran shared with Fox News Digital via email.
Corcoran also began experiencing floaters and wavy lines in both eyes, whether on the pickleball court or not.
Pickleball is celebrated for its physical and cognitive benefits — but for one woman in Florida, this rapidly growing sport played a role in saving her eyesight. (Florida Retina Institute)
“When I sent a text, the letters looked tilted on the screen,” she recalled — a symptom she later learned was caused by fluid in her retina.
Corcoran consulted her eye specialist, who diagnosed her with wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD).
What is AMD?
The primary culprit behind vision loss for individuals aged 65 and over, AMD impacts approximately 1.5 million people in the U.S., professionals report.
Indicators of wet AMD include blurred vision, blind spots in the center of one’s visual field, challenges in distinguishing colors, and edges or lines that appear wavy, according to Corcoran’s ophthalmologist, Dr. Matthew Cunningham from the Florida Retina Institute.
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“In Linda’s situation, the straight lines on the pickleball court served as a key visual warning, as she saw straight lines appearing wavy,” he remarked to Fox News Digital.
“For those engaged in pickleball or other sports, observing a wavy court is a crucial indicator to seek immediate eye care.”
Linda Corcoran is seen receiving an eye examination from Dr. Matthew Cunningham at the Florida Retina Institute. (Florida Retina Institute)
Other signs of concern can include the perception that window blinds are crooked when they aren’t or straight objects, like flagpoles, appearing distorted, Cunningham noted.
Difficulty with reading in dim light may also indicate wet AMD.
The condition can significantly affect a person’s ability to see or recognize faces, read, write, or drive, the doctor explained.
“For those engaged in pickleball or other sports, noticing a wavy court is an essential indicator to get your eyes checked.”
Early diagnosis is crucial to thwarting vision loss from wet AMD, according to Cunningham.
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“In the initial stages, symptoms may be absent, highlighting the importance of yearly eye exams, even when no issues are perceived,” he advised.
If neglected, wet AMD can lead to swift and profound vision deterioration, Cunningham cautioned.
Treatment Options for AMD
Various treatments are on hand to enhance and sustain vision for individuals with wet AMD.
“Wet AMD is commonly addressed with medication injected directly into the eye, which can assist in preserving and enhancing vision,” explained Cunningham.
“While treatment historically required monthly intravitreal injections, recent therapies have shown effectiveness ranging from 12 to 16 weeks between doses.”
“In the initial stages, there may not be any symptoms, reinforcing the necessity for annual eye exams, even if you feel fine,” advised Cunningham, accompanied by Corcoran. (Florida Retina Institute)
After one medication was ineffective, Cunningham recommended that Corcoran try Vabysmo.
This prescription treatment, developed by Genentech, a member of the Roche Group in Switzerland, is administered to both eyes every 10 weeks and aims to reduce harmful fluid in the back of the eye to help sustain vision.
Vabysmo is the first and only FDA-approved treatment that targets two underlying causes of wet AMD, the company informed Fox News Digital via email.
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“When the doctor first mentioned injections, I felt overwhelmed and anxious,” Corcoran expressed.
“I dreaded the shots at first, but I’ve come to realize that my commitment to the treatment is what allows me to maintain my vision and continue enjoying activities like pickleball.
Symptoms of wet AMD may include blurred vision, central blind spots, trouble distinguishing colors, and wavy edges or lines. (iStock)
Today, one year post-Vabysmo treatment, Corcoran’s vision has dramatically improved.
“It has effectively minimized the fluid in her retina and positively impacted her eyesight,” Cunningham stated.
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Corcoran reflected, “It’s a relief to know that my favorite pastimes and social interactions aren’t at risk given the changes I noticed in my vision; I’m lucky to have found such an effective treatment.”
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Common side effects of Vabysmo can include cataracts and conjunctival hemorrhage, according to a statement from the manufacturer shared with Fox News Digital.
A year after starting Vabysmo treatment, Corcoran’s eyesight has shown marked improvement. “It has effectively kept fluid away from her retina and positively impacted her vision,” said Cunningham. (Florida Retina Institute)
Cunningham advocates for annual, comprehensive eye examinations for all adults, especially older individuals or those with diabetes or hypertension, as these conditions can adversely affect eye health and lead to vision loss.
“Don’t wait to consult an eye doctor; we have numerous tests available to detect early signs of diseases prior to symptoms manifesting,” he added.
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Over half of pickleball enthusiasts in the U.S. are aged 55 and older, with nearly a third (32%) being over 65.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Genentech, the producer of Vabysmo, for additional comments.
