The 5 nasty infections that can leave you blind – as Elton John reveals ‘I’ve lost my eyesight’
ELTON JOHN’S recognizable party glasses are a hallmark.
However, due to a serious infection, Your Songsigner has now tragically lost sight in one eye.
At the Devil Wears Prada event, the beloved 77-year-old disclosed: “I have lost my sight and haven’t been able to see in the performance.”
Additionally, he disclosed that his upcoming record has been postponed due to his deteriorating vision.
Although eye infections are quite common and typically easy to identify, some can develop into more serious conditions.
They may cause swelling, redness, irritation, or even clouded vision.
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Most go away with drops, antibiotics, or antihistamines, but blindness can occur in certain situations.
1. Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
Red bloodshot eyes are rather common and typically indicate that you are retiring or have had too many wild nights out.
However, there may be a more significant issue if you’re also experiencing burning, grittiness, and stickiness, or if you’re seeing a watery yellow discharge coming from your eye.
Doctor Nisa Aslam, a general practitioner and advisor to Golden Eye, a company that offers eye treatments, discusses the possible causes of red eye and when it’s time to get help.
“Conjunctivitis is very common and the reason for one in 10 consultations in GP surgeries,” revealed Dr. Nisa.
It occurs when the eyes are infected, but allergies or chemical exposure—like chlorine in swimming pools—can also cause it.
I thought I had sand in my eye – now I’m blind after parasite burrowed into my cornea
It usually goes away on its own in a few weeks and doesn’t cause any long-term issues.
Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines and antibacterial eye treatments were occasionally needed to clear it.
Rarely, blindness or vision loss may result from an extremely severe infection.
2. Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
Most famously, the herpes simplex virus type 1 is the culprit behind the terrible cold sore.
The bundle of nerves that run through the face is where it hides when it’s not causing nasty, crusty mouth sores.
It’s also rather typical.
Approximately 70% of British people have lifelong, mostly harmless HSV-1 infections, with few severe flare-ups.
HSV-1, however, can sometimes do much more than just prevent others from wanting to share drinks or kiss you for a few weeks.
It can cause eye infections, which can occasionally result in blindness.
When the virus infects the cornea, it causes branching sores that resemble trees all across the eye.
According to the NHS, if left untreated, it can result in pain, inflammation, light sensitivity, and eventually blindness.
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that eye herpes is one of the main causes of blindness worldwide.
After all, the cornea is a clear layer of tissue located in front of the eye, and its primary function is to allow as much light as possible to enter the eye.
The cornea may become permanently hazy because to infection.
The following are typical signs of an eye infection caused by herpes simplex:
- A red eye
- Eye pain
- Swelling around the eye
- Sensitivity to bright light
- A watering eye
- Blurred vision
The 9 things your EYES can reveal about your health
It has been discovered that your eyes can serve as a window to your general health in addition to being the window to your soul.
Even while your vision may deteriorate with age, a research released this month revealed that if you don’t get treatment for your bad vision, your risk of developing dementia might rise by 19%.
According to researchers at John Hopkins University in the United States, wearing glasses or hearing aids could avoid about half of cases of the crippling illness.
Not only is it important to monitor your vision, but you should also keep an eye out for other eye-related symptoms, such as itching or lumps and bumps.
individuals often assume that their eyesight deteriorates with age, and they wouldn’t be mistaken. According to a poll conducted by the eye supplement company MacuShield, 70% of British individuals reported that they have observed their eyes getting worse with age.
Over half of British citizens stated that maintaining their independence depended on having good vision, and 75% of them wish to maintain their eyesight as much as possible for their quality of life.
From a brain tumor to an aneurysm, experts tell author Clare O’Reilly what our eyes might be attempting to tell us.
To read the entire story, click this link.
3. Toxoplasmosis
You could become blind from a parasite that was discovered in your cat’s dirty litter tray.
Over one-third of the world’s population is infected with Toxoplasma gondii, commonly referred to as toxi.
It usually spreads by water tainted by infected cat excrement or undercooked meat food.
The parasite is generally benign, and the much-hyped assertions that it influences human behavior are unfounded.
According to recent studies, the parasite may be able to cause schizophrenia-related illnesses in people.
However, we are aware that it can cause blindness, developmental issues, hydrocephalus, and other impairments when it is transferred from mother to fetus.
4. Trachoma
The first signs of trachoma, a cunning bacterial infection, are mild eye discomfort.
However, if left untreated, it can worsen and result in blindness.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the bug causes blindness or visual impairment in approximately 1.9 million people.
Previously a major health concern in the UK, it is currently a problem in many of the most impoverished and rural regions of Africa, Central and South America, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.
The bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is the culprit, and flies, hands, and towels are common ways for it to spread.
Your eyelids scar from recurring infections, which makes your lashes turn inward.
As a result, your lashes begin to rub against your cornea like small strips of sandpaper.
This harms the cornea over time, causing clouding and ultimately blindness.
Both eyes are typically affected by trachoma signs and symptoms, which can include:
- Mild itching and irritation of the eyes and eyelids
- Eye discharge containing mucus or pus
- Eyelid swelling
- Light sensitivity (photophobia)
- Eye pain
- Eye redness
- Vision loss
In the early stages of the infection, medications can be used to treat trachoma.
Due to its high contagiousness, this antibiotic is also advised for the patient’s contacts.
5. Keratitis
The cornea, which sits directly above the pupil and iris, functions as your eye’s transparent, curving shield.
It can cause keratitis, swelling, and discomfort if it becomes infected or damaged.
The criminals? Anything from parasites and fungi to germs and viruses to a simple scrape.
The most vulnerable to infection are those who wear contact lenses when swimming or taking a shower.
This is because, among other things, tap water contains the parasite that causes the diseases.
The problem begins when the parasite infiltrates your cornea and contact lens, creating the conditions for an infection.
It damages the cornea, resulting in excruciating agony and occasionally blindness.
The following are typical signs of keratitis:
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- Red eye
- Foreign body sensation in the eye
- Eye pain
- Sensitivity to light
- Watery eyes
- Blurred vision
- Decrease in vision
Keratitis treatment depends on the cause of the infection, antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial medicines can be used to clear the infection.
FOODS TO HELP EYE HEALTH
According to Suzie Sawyer, a clinical nutritionist at MacuShield, there are numerous foods that can improve the health of your eyes.
SALMON FOR OMEGA-3: This fatty acid is actually good for our eyes, especially the retinal cells. Sardines, trout, and mackerel are additional oily fish.
EGGS FOR VITAMIN B2: Of the eight B vitamins, vitamin B2 is especially important for maintaining healthy vision. White mushrooms, pork, feta, and Greek yogurt are other foods high in B2.
SPINACH AND KALE FOR MACULAR CAROTENOIDS The macular, a portion of the retina at the rear of the eye that guarantees we have the sharp, clear vision required for reading and driving, contains macular carotenoids.
PRAWNS FOR ZINC: Zinc helps to keep vision in a normal range. Other zinc-rich foods include red meat, poultry, oysters, other seafood, nuts, dried beans, soy foods, milk, wholegrains, liver, dried beans and peas.
ORANGES FOR VITAMIN C: Vitamin C isn t just good for immune health, it also aids collagen formation. This supports blood vessels and preserves the eye’s layers of connective tissue. Citrus fruits such as tomatoes, broccoli, kiwis, berries, and red and green peppers are also excellent.
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