Elton John shares update on eyesight loss: “It’s distressing”
Last September, Elton John revealed that he has reduced vision in his right eye, following an infection contracted in the South of France earlier in 2024. Now, the iconic musician has shared more about the extent of his eyesight loss in a new interview.
Originally, John shared the news of his eye infection on his Instagram page. At the time, he affirmed that he was in recovery, but explained it is a very slow process to recovery. “I am healing, but it’s an extremely slow process and it will take some time before sight returns to the impacted eye.” Since then, the songwriter has provided multiple updates on his eyesight.
Late last year, the 78-year-old musician announced that he could not see his new musical The Devil Wears Prada, which came to London’s West End in 2024 as a result of his eyesight. “It’s hard for me to see it. But I love to hear it, and boy, it sounded good tonight,” he shared at a gala benefit in December.
Now, in a new interview with The Times, John has revealed that his eyesight is still severely impacted following the infection last year. Asked whether he could clearly see the interviewer, the ‘Rocket Man’ songwriter replied, “I can see you, but I can’t see TV, I can’t read.”
Referring to his two sons, Zachary and Elijah – aged 14 and 12, respectively – the pianist continued, “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.”
“It’s distressing,” he added. “You get emotional, but you have to get used to it because I’m lucky to have the life I have. I still have my wonderful family, and I can still see something out of here,” gesturing to his left eye. “So you say to yourself, just get on with it.”
Despite his health struggles, John has recently unveiled a brand-new album, recorded in collaboration with American songwriter Brandi Carlile. In a review of Who Believes in Angels?, Far Out wrote, “Listening closely, [‘When This Old World Is Done With Me’] feels like raw, authentic John, where the lyrics and melodies shine with the weight of years of greatness, bringing the positives back to the surface with love and a glimmer.”
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