Elton John Loses Vision In Right Eye: How An Eye Infection Could Lead To Loss Of Vision, Tips To Stay Wary

Elton John has revealed that a severe eye infection has rendered him unable to see through his right eye for the past four months. In an emotional interview with Robin Roberts on Good Morning America (GMA), Elton shared the devastating impact the infection has had on his ability to see. “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. And my left eye’s not the greatest,” he said.

On the show, Elton also opened up about the challenges he’s facing daily due to his vision loss, explaining how it has affected both his personal and professional life. “I can’t see anything, I can’t read anything, I can’t watch anything,” he admitted. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his recovery, Elton remains hopeful. “There’s hope and encouragement that it will be OK, but I’m kind of stuck at the moment… going into the studio and recording, I don’t know,” he said, acknowledging how his vision impairment is impacting his creative process.

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Eye Infections That Can Culminate Into Vision Loss

Eye infections are a common cause of vision loss around the world. From simple eye irritation to more serious infections, they can affect people of all ages. Here’s a list of the most common eye infections shared by The New England Journal of Medicine.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Bacterial conjunctivitis, often caused by bacteria, leads to redness, eye discharge, and crusty eyelashes. While it’s less common in adults, it’s more frequent in children. The infection can be treated with antibiotic eye drops.

In rare cases, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis can cause more serious eye infections. Trachoma, the leading cause of blindness worldwide, is caused by flies and contact with another person’s nasal or eye discharge. This condition is preventable with mass antibiotic treatment in endemic areas. If untreated, these can cause long-term damage, so it’s important to get treated by a doctor.

Infectious Keratitis (Corneal Infection)

Keratitis is an infection of the cornea, the clear part at the front of your eye. It can be caused by viruses like Herpes simplex virus (HSV) or bacteria. Symptoms include eye pain, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision. If untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss. 

Endophthalmitis (Eye Infection Inside the Eye)

Endophthalmitis is a rare but severe infection that affects the inner parts of your eye. It can happen after surgery or an injury to the eye and can cause rapid vision loss. Symptoms include severe eye pain and blurry vision. If you experience these symptoms, get medical help immediately for proper treatment.

Uveitis (Inflammation Inside the Eye)

Uveitis is inflammation in the middle layer of your eye, called the uvea. It can be caused by an infection, but it’s also often related to autoimmune conditions. It can lead to vision problems if untreated. Early treatment with medication can help reduce the inflammation and prevent permanent damage.

Related: 23-Year-Old Woman Loses Vision After Swimming With Contact Lenses: The Dangers You Need To Know Beforehand

Tips to Prevent Eye Infections

Here is a list of measures propounded by the American Academy Of Ophthalmology.

Wash Your Hands Regularly

The simplest and most effective way to protect your eyes is by washing your hands frequently. This reduces the risk of transferring harmful germs to your eyes and helps stop the spread of infections.

Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes

If your eyes are irritated, watery, or itchy, resist the urge to rub them with your hands. Instead, use a clean, soft cloth to gently wipe your eyes. Rubbing can spread any potential infection, especially viral ones, so always wash your hands thoroughly afterward. Also, avoid reusing the cloth for anything else once it has come in contact with your eyes.

Sanitize Your Bedding and Clothes

If you have an eye infection, make sure to wash any linens, towels, or clothing that may have touched your eyes. This helps prevent the infection from spreading to others in your household or workplace.

Keep Your Contact Lenses Clean

Many people don’t properly care for their contact lenses. These small lenses can collect bacteria, viruses, and even parasites. Be sure to clean and store them properly, and never wear them longer than advised.

Consult an Ophthalmologist

If you’re experiencing symptoms like redness, itching, excessive watering, or mucous discharge from your eyes, it’s important to see an ophthalmologist. These signs can indicate an eye infection or other issues that need professional treatment.

Bottomline

Eye infections are important to identify and treat early, and many can be prevented. Simple steps to avoid infections include practicing good hygiene to stop the spread of viral conjunctivitis, properly caring for contact lenses to prevent eye infections and wearing safety glasses to protect your eyes from injuries. We advise you to visit a doctor at the earliest upon encountering the symptoms of an eye infection, please refrain from disregarding it as something trivial!