Elton John reflects on tough days and his unwavering optimism amid vision loss

Sir Elton John has opened up about the toll his recent vision problems have taken on him, sharing that while there have been some “miserable” days, he remains “optimistic” about his recovery.

The 77-year-old singer revealed in an Instagram post in September 2024 that his vision had been affected in his right eye after contracting an infection.

“Over the summer, I’ve been dealing with a severe eye infection that has unfortunately left me with only limited vision in one eye,” he explained at the time.

“I am healing but it’s an extremely slow process and it will take some time before sight returns to the impacted eye.

“I am so grateful for the excellent team of doctors and nurses and my family, who have taken such good care of me over the last several weeks.

“I have been quietly spending the summer recuperating at home, and am feeling positive about the progress I have made in my healing and recovery thus far.”

In a recent interview with The Guardian, Sir Elton gave further insight into how he’s coping with his vision challenges while maintaining an upbeat attitude.

“I’m an optimist permanently,” he told the publication.

“I’ve got bad eyesight at the moment. There have been days where I’ve been miserable, but then I think about how lucky I am. I’ve got a new respect for sight-impaired people and people who are totally blind, some of whom I’m in touch with.

“But to hell with it, I’ve got a great life, and hopefully my sight will improve.”

Despite his recent health woes, Sir Elton previously reassured his fans that he has “never been better” during a recent appearance on Good Morning America. 

“I unfortunately lost my eyesight in my right eye in July because I had an infection in the South of France and it’s been four months now since I haven’t been able to see,” he explained, as per the Daily Mail.

“And my left eye is not the greatest, so. There’s hope and encouragement that it will be okay and we’re taking an intiative to try and get it better. At the moment that’s really what we’re concentrating on.

“David and I always have our blood tests every six months in Los Angeles. Our health has never been better.

“It’s never fortunate for anything like this to happen. I can’t see anything, I can’t read anything, I can’t watch anything.

“I can do something like this, but going into the studio and recording I don’t know, because I can’t see a lyric for a start.

“We’re taking an initiative to try and get it better, but at the moment that’s really what we’re concentrating on.”