Global music icon Sir Elton John has shared a candid and emotional update on his deteriorating eyesight, describing his vision loss as “devastating” after a severe eye infection he contracted while on holiday in 2024, per parade.com.
The 78-year-old singer has tragically gone blind in his right eye, and his left eye has sustained permanent damage, according to an interview with variety.com
“It’s been devastating,” John said. “Because I lost my right eye and my left eye’s not so good, the last 15 months have been challenging for me because I haven’t been able to see anything, watch anything, read anything.”
Sir Elton, who had previously reassured fans about his health, has been forced to make significant lifestyle changes. He has publicly spoken about his difficulties, including simplifying his famous signature to just an “E” and an “X,” being unable to watch his children play rugby, and struggling to see song lyrics in the studio.
Despite the severity of his condition, the music legend maintains a stoic and hopeful outlook, drawing parallels to the advances in treating another major health crisis.
“I’ve had the most incredible life, and there is hope,” he added. “I’ve just gotta be patient that someday science will help me with this one… It’s exactly like the AIDS situation. You mustn’t give up hope, you must be stoic, you must be strong, and you must always try and batter the door down to try and improve things.”
His husband, David Furnish, elaborated on the ongoing medical efforts. Since damaged retinas do not heal naturally, they are continuing with treatments.
“We’ve been doing some treatments and there’s been some improvements in his left eye, which is really good, and we’re continuing to explore and getting a lot of outreach from a lot of doctors who want to help and support,” Furnish confirmed.
John, who was recently unable to attend previews for The Devil Wears Prada musical, expressed gratitude for being able to at least listen to the music. His family and medical team continue to provide global support as they search for long-term solutions for his eyesight.
