Elton John loses vision from eye infection What causes loss of eyesight

British pop icon Elton John revealed that he struggled watching his new musical because he lost his eyesight after battling an eye infection.

“I haven’t been able to come to many of the previews because, as you know, I have lost my eyesight,” the singer-songwriter, who attended the opening night of “The Devil Wears Prada” musical in London on Sunday, December 1, told the audience.

“So it’s hard for me to see it, but I love to hear it and, boy, it sounded good tonight,” he added.

In September, John disclosed that he had an infection which caused “only limited vision in one eye.” On Instagram, 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.”

While it is not clear which type of eye infection John had, but not all eye infections lead to vision loss or blindness.

Let’s break down the potential causes and risks:

Severe corneal infections: Conditions like keratitis (often caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses) can damage the cornea, the clear front part of the eye. Without immediate or quick treatment, scarring or perforation can result in significant vision loss.

Uveitis: This is inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye, which can occur due to infections or autoimmune conditions. If untreated, it may cause cataracts, glaucoma, or retinal damage, all of which threaten vision.

Retinal infections: Infections like cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, common in immunocompromised individuals, directly damage the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, leading to blindness.

Optic nerve damage: Severe infections can lead to optic neuritis, an inflammation of the optic nerve, disrupting the transmission of visual signals from the eye to the brain.

Delayed treatment: Many eye infections are manageable if caught early. However, delays in seeking treatment could allow the infection to worsen and cause irreversible damage.

SYMPTOMS THAT INDICATE SEVERE EYE PROBLEMS

• Persistent redness and swelling
• Intense pain or discomfort in the eyes
• Blurred or hazy vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Floaters or flashes of light in the vision
• Sudden loss of vision

HOW TO PREVENT EYE INFECTIONS?

• Hygiene: Wash hands and avoid touching eyes to reduce infection risks.
• Contact lens care: Properly cleaning lenses prevents bacterial growth.
• Prompt medical attention: Any signs of eye infection should be addressed immediately by an ophthalmologist.
• Protective measures: Wearing protective eyewear in environments with high infection risks, such as swimming pools or dusty areas, is crucial.

Eye infections, if severe or untreated, can lead to blindness through corneal damage, retinal involvement, or nerve damage.

Regular checkups and immediate treatment for symptoms ensure eye health and prevent vision loss.