Story of How Elton John Lost Vision in His Right Eye: Here’s What Happened
- Elton John shared that he lost vision in his right eye due to a severe infection.
- The music legend is staying hopeful and focusing on his recovery with his family’s support.
- His story is a reminder to prioritize eye health and seek help for any issues early.
Elton John has always been larger than life. His music, his outfits, his iconic glasses—they all scream confidence and charisma. But behind the sparkle and showmanship, there’s a personal battle that even a superstar can’t escape.
At 77, John shocked fans with news that no one saw coming. The music legend lost his vision. It’s a story filled with ups and downs. But—he’s still standing strong.
Elton John Lost His Vision During a Gala Performance of The Devil Wears Prada
On December 1, at the opening night of The Devil Wears Prada: The Musical in London, Elton John surprised the audience with an emotional announcement.
The 77-year-old admitted that he couldn’t actually see the performance of the musical he helped create. Imagine working so hard on something, only to not see it happen. John shared with the crowd (per Daily Mail):
As some of you may know, I have had issues and now I have lost my sight. I haven’t been able to see the performance but I have enjoyed it.
His husband, David Furnish, was by his side to help him off the stage. John thanked him in front of the crowd, calling him his rock during these tough times.
How Did Elton John Lose His Vision?
The story of how Elton John lost his vision started earlier this year during his summer vacation in the south of France. In July, he developed a severe eye infection that affected his right eye.
It wasn’t just a minor issue—this was serious enough to leave him with very limited vision. In September, John gave an update to fans on Instagram, sharing that the recovery process was going to be slow. He wrote:
I am healing, but it’s an extremely slow process and it will take some time before sight returns to the impacted eye.
The 77-year-old also thanked his doctors, nurses, and family for taking care of him. Unfortunately, by November, the situation had worsened. The pianist revealed on Good Morning America that he had completely lost vision in his right eye. He said:
It kind of floored me, and I can’t see anything. I can’t read anything, I can’t watch anything.
Although his left eye isn’t perfect, John is determined to stay hopeful and keep pushing forward. He’s working with medical experts and leaning on his family for support. “There’s hope and encouragement that things will improve,” he said during the GMA interview.
What Causes Eye Infections and How Serious Are They?
Eye infections are surprisingly common and happen when bacteria, viruses, or fungi infect the eye. These infections can affect different parts of the eye, including the eyelid, cornea, or conjunctiva (the thin layer that covers the white part of the eye).
One of the most common eye infections is conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. While pink eye is usually mild, some infections can be much more serious, like the one John experienced. Severe infections can damage the cornea (the clear, protective layer at the front of the eye) and lead to long-term vision problems if not treated quickly.
Symptoms of an eye infection can range from redness and itching to more serious issues like pain, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light. According to the Cleveland Clinic, about 1 million people in the U.S. visit a doctor every year to treat an eye infection.
His infection caused significant damage, showing how important it is to take eye health seriously. Simple steps like washing your hands, avoiding touching your eyes, and seeking medical help early can make a big difference.
