Elton John lost his vision; signs and symptoms of eye infections that can cause blindness

Pop icon Elton John revealed he is battling a severe eye infection which has led to loss of his vision. At a charity event for the musical “The Devil Wears Prada” in London, John, told the audience that he was unable to see his performance.

"I haven't been able to come to many of the previews because, as you know, I've lost my eyesight so, it's hard for me to see it," he said while giving update about his health condition to the audience. "But I love to hear it and it quite sounded good tonight."

In an interview with Good Morning America on November 25, John said: “I unfortunately lost eyesight in my right eye in July.”

He said it's been four months now since he hasn't been able to see. It is not clear which kind of eye infection John has been suffering from. “I’m kind of stuck at the moment. Going into the studio and recording, I don’t know, because I can’t see a lyric for starters," John said in the interview.

Can eye infections lead to blindness?

Not all eye infections will lead to loss of vision and many of them are minor in nature and heal on their own. However, some eye infections can be serious and lead to blindless if not treated timely

1. Keratitis

An inflammation or infection of the cornea - the clear outer layer on the colored part of the eye, it is also known as corneal ulcer. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, and can be infectious or noninfectious

This can happen due to handling contact lens improperly. Not cleaning or storing them well can increase risk of this infection. Without treatment, keratitis can cause scarring on the cornea and permanent loss of vision.

Symptoms: Redness and irritation of the eyes, pain in the eyes, a feeling of something in the eye, sensitivity to light, blurry vision or watery eyes are among the symptoms of Keratitis.

2. Endophthalmitis

An infection is the fluid or tissues inside the eyes can be extremely dangerous and cause blindness. According to a research published in Australian Prescriber, cataract surgery is the most common cause of this condition. It can also occur due to an eye injury, or injection where bacteria or fungi get through the eye's protective surface. Another way this infection can spread is from an infection in another body part.
Symptoms: Eye pain, redness, changes in vision, sensitivity to light

3. Rhino orbital Cerebral mucormycosis

Also known as Black fungus, the condition has a high morbidity and mortality rate. It occurs mainly in immunocompromised patients like those with uncontrolled diabetes, cancer, post organ transplantation, on chronic steroid therapy. The fungus invades the blood vessels entering through the nasal cavity and spreading to the sinuses and orbit and finally reaching the brain which can be deadly.
Symptoms: Protruding eyes, dark scabbing in nasal cavities, fever, headache, mental status changes, redness of skin above sinuses, sinus pain or congestion.

4. Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is the infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva. The symptoms are itchiness and watery discharge. One may get this infection in one eye or both. It can be serious if not treated at the right time.