Sir Elton John has opened up about his eyesight problems, revealing its impact on his lifestyle.
Last November, John made a shocking announcement about his health when he disclosed that he had lost his ability to see.
The announcement followed an initial update from the singer in which he shared that he contracted an infection that led to limited vision in one of his eyes.
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Sir Elton John’s Candid Revelation About His Eyesight Problems
On Friday, John gave more details about how far his eyesight problems had worsened during an interview with The Times of London.
He said per BBC, “I can see you, but I can’t see TV, I can’t read.”
The rock & roll icon also reflected on how his eye issues affected his relationship with his sons, Zachary, 14, and Elijah, 12.
He said, “I can’t see my boys playing rugby and soccer, and it has been a very stressful time because I’m used to soaking it all up.”
John continued, “You get emotional, but you have to get used to it because I’m lucky to have the life I have.”
He concluded, “I still have my wonderful family, and I can still see something out of [my left eye]. So you say to yourself, ‘Just get on with it.'”
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Iconic Singer Reveals He Contracted Severe Eye Infection
In the post, he wrote, “Over the summer, I’ve been dealing with a severe eye infection that has unfortunately left me with only limited vision in one eye.”
He added, “I am healing, but it’s an extremely slow process and it will take some time before sight returns to the impacted eye.”
John thanked his family and the “excellent” medical professionals who took care of him amid his health crisis.
He concluded by saying he was “feeling positive” about his healing and recovery progress.
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Sir Elton John On How Losing His Eyesight Affected His Music
On November 25, 2024, John appeared on “Good Morning America” and shared that the eye infection he suffered in the summer caused him to lose vision in his right eye.
This sad development impacted his ability to create music. He explained, per BBC, “I unfortunately lost my eyesight in my right eye in July because I had an infection in the South of France.”
He continued, “It’s been four months now since I haven’t been able to see. And my left eye is not the greatest.”
On his inability to work on something new musically, John said, “There’s hope and encouragement that it will be okay.”
He added, “But I’m kind of stuck in the moment, because I can do something like this, but going into the studio and recording… I don’t know. Because I can’t see a lyric, for start.”
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John further stated that he was working on getting his eyesight back, though the infection had “floored” him for the moment due to his inability to see or watch anything.
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Elton John Says He Has Now ‘Lost’ His Sight
On December 1, 2024, Sir Elton John attended the red carpet launch of “The Devil Wears Prada: The Musical” at the London Dominion Theatre.
The legendary singer said, “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.”
He also said, “It’s hard for me to see it, but I love to hear it and, boy, it sounded good tonight.”
The musician, who was accompanied by his husband, David Furnish, to the event, credited him for supporting him since his eyesight deteriorated.
“To my husband who’s been my rock because I haven’t been able to come to many of the previews… it’s hard for me to see it but I love to hear it and it sounded good tonight OK. Thank you for coming!” he added, per TMZ.
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Sir Elton John Grateful To A ‘Higher Power’ Who Helped Him Through His Struggles
In an interview with Time Magazine, the 78-year-old legend reflected on his past struggles and the quiet presence he now recognizes as his source of strength.
Over the years, John has publicly battled issues with drug addiction, severe depression, and a profound sense of loneliness. Despite the fame and acclaim, these personal battles often cast long shadows over his life.
The “Rocket Man” singer credits a “higher power” for helping him survive those trying times.
“I don’t really believe in the biblical God too much, but I have faith,” Elton John told Time. “My higher power has been looking after me all my life; he’s got me through drugs, he’s got me through depression, he’s got me through loneliness, and he got me sober.”
John admitted that this spiritual presence had likely always been with him, even when he wasn’t fully aware of it. “He’s been there all the time, I think. I just didn’t acknowledge him.”
