Elton John Provides Update on His Visual Impairment: “It Was a Very Stressful Period”

Elton John’s Journey with Vision Loss

Elton John shared his reflections on his deteriorating eyesight, admitting that it was a “very tense time” as he adapted to his new reality.

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In September, the legendary singer-songwriter revealed that he had battled an infection over the summer, which resulted in “only limited vision in one eye.” “I am healing, but this process is extremely slow, and it will take some time before my vision returns to the affected eye,” he explained.

Health Updates and Emotional Impact

At the end of November, John provided an update on his condition, noting that it had been “four months” since he could see well. “And my left eye is not the best,” he remarked, adding that this situation made him feel “stuck” while working on a new album.

In a recent interview with Time, he discussed the “charming” emotional influence of his decline.

“I can see you, but I can’t see the TV, I can’t read,” he expressed. “I don’t see my boys playing rugby and football, and it was a very tense time because I was used to taking it all in.”

“You become emotional, but you must adapt because I am fortunate to be alive,” he added. “I still have my wonderful family, and I can see something with my left eye. So, you tell yourself: ‘Just deal with it.’

Upcoming Projects and Public Appearances

Elton appeared to be in good spirits at the Golden Globes in January, reassuring the audience: “I don’t know if you know, but there have been many stories about my declining vision. I just wanted to let everyone know that it’s not as bad as it seems. I’m so glad to be here with my co-host, Rihanna.” He presented the award alongside Brandy Carlisle.

John’s collaborative album with Carlisle, “Who Believes in Angels?” was released on Friday (April 4), featuring the recent single “Swing for the Fences,” along with last year’s “Never Too Late.”

He also discussed why he chose to collaborate with Carlisle on this project, acknowledging that he couldn’t do it alone. “I knew I didn’t want to make the same album again… I wanted this album to evolve, as I’ve always been eager to move forward,” he stated. “If I had just created another Elton John record, I would have been stifled.”

In other news, John was scheduled to headline the Singapore Grand City Formula 1 this fall, despite his recent retirement from touring.