Elton John’s vision loss: How an eye infection can lead to this extreme

World-famous singer-songwriter Elton John confirmed he has lost his right eye after a serious infection.

On the opening night of his musical adaptation of The Devil Wears Prada in London, John shared: “I haven’t been able to come to many previews because, as you know, I’ve lost my eyesight.”

“So I have a hard time watching it, but I love hearing it and, boy, it sounded good tonight,” he said.

ELTON JOHN HAS “LOSED MY SIGHT” AFTER A SERIOUS INFECTION.

John first posted on his Instagram account in September that he had suffered from a “severe eye infection” over the summer, which resulted in “unfortunately I only had limited vision in one eye.”

“As Sir Elton John has not specified what type of eye infection he has, it is unclear whether he is completely blind in his right eye or whether he still has partial vision,” says Dr. Thuy Tran, an optometrist and founder of Oculist in New York City, told Fox News Digital.

“It’s possible that he can still perceive light and movement, but cannot see enough detail to read letters or music,” added Tran, who did not treat the singer.

“He may also experience other signs and symptoms such as thick mucous discharge, pain, irritation, excessive tearing and redness.”

Types of eye infections

The most common types of eye infections are viral conjunctivitis and bacterial conjunctivitis, according to Tran.

“Viral conjunctivitis, caused by adenoviruses, is similar to a cold and usually goes away on its own within a few weeks,” he said.

“If it is caused by herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus (the same virus responsible for chickenpox and shingles), or cytomegalovirus (in immunocompromised people, such as people with HIV/AIDS), More serious complications such as corneal scarring and retinal damage can occur and vision loss can result.

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Bacterial eye infections usually clear up within a week with appropriate antibiotic treatment, usually eye drops or ointments, the doctor noted.

“However, a hyperacute bacterial eye infection can be serious and progress rapidly,” Tran warned. “If not treated promptly, it can lead to corneal ulcers, scarring and blindness.”

“This disease is most commonly caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a type of bacteria that can be transmitted through sexual contact.”

Bacterial eye infections usually clear up within a week with appropriate antibiotic treatment, usually eye drops or ointments. (iStock)

According to Tran, fungal eye infections are often caused by fungi that occur naturally in our environment.

“The most common risk factors include trauma to the eye from plant material, prolonged contact lens wear and diabetes,” he said.

Fungal infections are usually treated with topical or oral antifungal medications.

“In rare cases, they can lead to a medically urgent condition called endophthalmitis, which often requires hospitalization for administration of intravenous medications.”

Possible permanent damage

Dr. Derek Cunningham, an ophthalmologist and director of Dell Laser Consultants in Austin, Texas, also spoke with Fox News Digital about the dangers of internal and external eye infections.

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An internal infection could be caused by a virus, said Cunningham, who also did not treat Elton John. If it reaches the retina or the back of the eye, permanent vision loss can occur.

More commonly, eye infections are the result of external triggers and trauma to the front of the eye, such as scratches, chemical splashes or contact lens misuse, he noted.

Elton John speaks onstage during the 38th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Barclays Center on November 3, 2023 in New York City. (Theo Wargo/Getty Images for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)

These incidents then allow bacteria and other foreign organisms to “home in the eye,” Cunningham said.

“Because (the eye) is specifically designed to transmit light, the cellular structure of all tissues is very precise and cannot be changed.”

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“So any level of immune response or even bacterial or viral infection will not only cause disruption of the cells, but also potentially cause scarring – and that will very often permanently affect vision,” he continued.

While the eye is sensitive and may have a harder time fighting off infections because it is a “compartmentalized” system, the cornea is also the “fastest healing tissue in the human body,” according to Cunningham.

According to an expert, older people are particularly affected by eye infections. (iStock)

But as we age, the body heals more slowly – so someone like John, who is 77, is at higher risk of a longer-lasting infection than younger people.

“A young child can scratch their eye and be completely healed within a few hours,” Cunningham said. “In an older person, the injury can last for days, and then the risk of infection increases every minute that the tissue is still damaged.”

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Some eye complications can be detected and treated early during routine eye exams.

Cunningham recommends paying attention to visual function – and if vision is impaired, symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor.

If vision is impaired, symptoms should be assessed by a doctor, an expert recommends. (iStock)

“If… there is anything truly infectious in the eye, the risk of vision loss is extremely high – and it is permanent. Very often he never comes back.”

Representatives for John did not respond to Fox News Digital’s immediate request for comment.

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Elizabeth Stanton of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.