Symptoms of ‘serious’ eye infections after Elton John says he is now blind

Sir Elton John has issued a rare health update to his fans after revealing he is suffering from blindness, which comes after he contracted a serious eye infection in the summer of 2024.

Aged 77, the legendary British singer and pianist issued the update while appearing during a gala performance for his new musical entitled The Devil Wears Prada.

"As some of you may know I have had issues and now I have lost my sight", he told the crowd on Saturday evening (1 December). "I haven't been able to see the performance but I have enjoyed it. To my husband who's been my rock because I haven't been able to come to many of the previews."

Sir Elton added: "It's hard for me to see it but I love to hear it and it sounded good tonight okay. Thank you for coming."

It came months after he took to Instagram to inform fans of the eye infection that has caused his sight loss, saying it has been an 'extremely slow process and it will take some time before sight returns to the impacted eye'. In the latest update, Sir Elton did not confirm if his sight would return or not.

Sir Elton revealed his sight began to suffer in July after holidaying in the south of France. With his health in the news, here's how you can stop your eyesight from being damaged from common infections that can turn pretty serious.

Eye infections are common, but can be serious (Getty Stock Images)

Conjunctivitis

A common eye infection, conjunctivitis (also known as pink eye) is actually a disease of the eye. It's caused by bacteria, virus, or fungus finding its way into the organ.

You'll know you have this if your eye is red, feels 'gritty, produces pus that sticks your lashes together, and feels really itchy.

If your conjunctivitis is bacterial, you're need antibiotics to clear it up. In worst case scenarios, you can lose your vision, so if you experience those symptoms, get checked out.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is where the eyelid becomes inflamed and swollen. Those who get it usually get the condition in both eyes.

The cause is likely to be blocked oil glands, which results in greasy looking skin above the eye and crusty eyelashes. You'll also get red eyes.

Thankfully with this condition, blindness is not common at all.

"The condition is common and symptoms are manageable," Cleveland Clinic explains.

Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is a common eye infection that can cause vision loss if left untreated (Getty Stock Images)

Uveitis

Uveitis is where you suffer from inflammation inside of your eye.

It can be incredibly painful, with those suffering from it often having a sensitivity to daylight.

A common condition, severe cases can result in blindness due to how little room there is in the eye for inflammation to take place without causing harm.

You could also suffer from minor vision loss (and the need for a new prescription and pair of glasses, for example) due to it changing the shape of your eye.

Other symptoms include general eye pain, red eyes, and blurry vision. Seek medical help if you think you might be suffering from this, as time is of the essence to stop it from causing major problems.

Uveitis needs quick treatment (Getty Stock Images)

Endophthalmitis

Like uveitis, endophthalmitis is a condition that impacts the inside of your eye. Instead of inflammation, your eye will become infected inside of the organ.

As a result of this, the bacterial or fungal infection will trigger your immune system to act. It needs immediate treatment due to how serious it is, with vision loss a real possibility.

Symptoms of endophthalmitis include eye pain, red eyes, a loss of vision, being sensitive to bright light, and having swollen eyes.

Causes include being hit in the eye, causing the infection. The condition is often treated with surgery, including cataract surgery. Injections in to the eye are also a possibility.