Sir Elton John has admitted the last 15 months have been ‘challenging’ amid his battle with blindness.
The legendary musician, 78, contracted a severe eye infection in July 2024 which left him blind in his right eye, with ‘limited vision’ in his left.
Elton has issued a new health update on his ‘devastating’ eye sight, admitting he hasn’t been able to see, watch or read anything in over a year.
He told Variety: ‘It’s been devastating. Because I lost my right eye and my left eye’s not so good, the last 15 months have been challenging for me because I haven’t been able to see anything, watch anything, read anything.
‘I’ve had the most incredible life, and there is hope. I’ve just gotta be patient that someday science will help me with this one. Once they help me with this one, I’ll be fine. It’s exactly like the AIDS situation.
‘You mustn’t give up hope, you must be stoic, you must be strong and you must always try and batter the door down to try and improve things.’
Sir Elton John, 78, has admitted the last 15 months have been ‘challenging’ amid his battle with blindness
The legendary musician contracted a severe eye infection in July 2024 which left him blind in his right eye, with ‘limited vision’ in his left (pictured earlier this month)
Elton added that he has been getting treatment ever since and has seen ‘some improvements in his left eye’.
Elton lives with his husband David Furnish, 62, and their sons, Zachary, 14, and Elijah, 12.
The hitmaker, who played his final shows last summer, revealed his eyesight issues in September 2024.
He took to his Instagram with a lengthy post, explaining how he spent the past few months ‘recuperating at home.’
Elton wrote: ‘Over the summer, I’ve been dealing with a severe eye infection that has unfortunately left me with only limited vision in one eye.
‘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.’
Elton concluded: ‘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.’
Elton has issued a new health update in an interview with Variety on his ‘devastating’ eye sight, admitting he hasn’t been able to see, watch or read anything in over a year
Elton lives with his husband David Furnish, 62, and their sons, Zachary, 14, and Elijah, 12 (pictured together in March)
He took to his Instagram with a lengthy post, explaining how he spent the past few months ‘recuperating at home’
He previously scared fans as he posted bedridden hospital pictures and bedazzled body casts on his Instagram
The icon confused fans as he joked ‘rocked too hard… ended up in a cast!’ alongside worrying pictures of himself in a hospital bed
And his health battles have undermined any new music from the star.
Elton previously scared fans as he posted bedridden hospital pictures and bedazzled body casts on his Instagram.
But all was not what it seemed, as singer confirmed the set up was to promote the release of a Spinal Tap sequel.
The icon confused fans as he joked ‘rocked too hard… ended up in a cast!’ alongside worrying pictures of himself in a hospital bed.
Elton clarified in his caption he was just backstage with Spinal Tap and publicising his appearance in the upcoming film.
He wrote: ‘The new film, Spinal Tap II, and album are out today, featuring me on ‘Listen To The Flower People’ and ‘Stonehenge’. Thanks for having me be a part of it!’
Elton sported rhinestone-encrusted leg casts and a neck brace, surrounded by floral arrangements, get well soon cards and cast members.
Directed by Rob Reiner, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues comes 41 years after This Is Spinal Tap redefined the mockumentary genre with its behind the scenes look at the hapless antics of a fictional British rock group.
The new film has once again been produced by Bleecker Street – the company responsible for delivering This Is Spinal Tap – and will feature cameo appearances from several music icons including Sir Elton John, Sir Paul McCartney, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood.
It will follow the ageing Spinal Tap stars as they perform one last time after reuniting following a 15 year hiatus.
