How is Elton John coping after losing sight in one eye? Music icon opens up on vision struggles

Elton John is opening up about the health crisis that nearly dimmed his world. The superstar reveals he's spent the past year navigating life and music with severely impaired vision after a sudden eye infection, but insists he's not giving up hope.

In a candid conversation with Variety, published on Nov. 25, the music icon, 78, opened up about his health and life after losing his vision in his right eye.

"It's been devastating. 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."

Recalling, Elton John's eye contracted an infection in 2024 while he was on a summer vacation in France. The infection has affected his vision, and he has eventually lost one-half of his eyesight.

Nevertheless, the "Hakuna Matata" hitmaker's optimism hasn't dimmed.

"I've had the most incredible life, and there is hope. I've just gotta be patient that someday science will help me with this one. Once they help me with this one, I'll be fine. 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."

READ: 5 timeless Elton John tracks that still hit hard today

Elton John thanks husband, sons while navigating loss of eyesight

Elton John didn't forget to express his gratitude to his partner, David Furnish, whom he married in 2014, and their teen sons, Elijah and Zachary. He also offered a shout-out to his longtime friends with whom he communicates regularly.

"I mean, you just have to grin and bear it. It does get me down sometimes. But on the whole, I’ve got a wonderful family; I have two great kids; I have him. Paul McCartney FaceTimes me to see how I’m doing. It’s really beautiful."

The "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" singer added:

"The love I've received from him and from Pete Townshend and Mick Jagger and people like that have been amazing. Or you get an email from Keith Richards saying. 'Hello, darling, how you doing? You know we love you,' and that’s it, but it just makes my day."

This is not the first time the music legend spoke about his health. In April, he lamented his eye condition, revealing to The Times:

"I can't read. 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."

Despite his state, Elton John still clings to the silver lining.

Trending

"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. You say to yourself, just get on with it."

READ: "It's criminal and I feel incredibly betrayed": Sir Elton John labels the British government as "absolute losers" for AI copyright plans

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback