Elton John has spoken about his "distress" of being unable to watch television or his sons play sports due to his poor eyesight. The 78-year-old icon opened up in an interview with The Times about his current health struggles after an infection last summer left him with poor eyesight. The 'Rocket Man' hitmaker - who retired from touring back in 2023 - contracted a severe eye infection, which left him blind in his right eye and with "limited vision" in his left. The chart-topping star, however, remains hopeful that his eyesight will eventually improve in the coming months and years.

Speaking to The Times, he said, "I can't see TV, I can't read. I can't see my boys playing rugby and soccer. It has been a very stressful time because I'm used to soaking it all up. It's distressing."

He added, "I still have my wonderful family, and I can see something out of here [left eye]. So you say to yourself, just get on with it."

Speaking previously about his battle with limited eyesight, Elton told The Guardian: "I'm an optimist permanently, I've got bad eyesight at the moment.

"There have been days I've been miserable, but then I think about how lucky I am. I've got a new respect for sight-impaired people, but I've got a great life, and hopefully, my sight will improve.

At the 2024 Golden Globes, Elton even jokingly poked fun at his eyesight when he presented an award. He was tasked with presenting the prize for Best Original Score alongside Brandi Carlile at the star-studded bash last year.

He laughed: "There has been a lot of stories going around about my regressive eyesight, and I just want to reassure everyone it is not as bad as it seems, I’m so pleased to be here with my co-host, Rihanna."

After announcing that Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross were the winners of their Challengers soundtrack, Elton excitedly said, "Yay!"