Popular TV star and comedian Alan Carr has opened up about a chilling medical ordeal that involved having a spike inserted into his eyeball. The “Chatty Man” host shared the details of his frightening condition that took him to Moorfield Eye Hospital in the capital, where he faced increasing pressure within his eye.
Confessing the scary details on his podcast Life’s a Beach with fellow comic Grace Campbell, the 48 year old talked about the intense procedure aimed at correcting his astigmatism. “I’ve got astigmatism. I kept telling people I had stigmata, like the wounds of Christ. Get over yourself, Alan.”
Carr also spoke candidly about his worries saying, “I had a bit of a health scare. I went to Moorfields I’ve got something wrong with my eyes – quite a bit of pressure. I had something wrong with my eyes in the cornea. I was so worried.”
Astigmatism typically arises due to an irregularly shaped eye, causing it to curve more than normal.
This abnormal shape disrupts the proper alignment of light entering the eye, leading to symptoms including blurred vision, headaches, and eye strain.
While the exact cause of astigmatism remains unknown, it cannot be prevented. The U.S. National Eye Institute has stated that some individuals are born with the condition, while others may develop it during childhood or young adulthood. It can also occur following an eye injury or surgery. Despite this, the NHS suggests that not all cases of astigmatism require treatment.
Mild instances can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses, while more severe cases may use laser surgery, which carries greater risks. The health service recommends consulting an optician if you or your child exhibit symptoms of astigmatism, or if an eye test hasn’t been conducted in the past two years.
They further noted that astigmatism could be associated with a serious eye condition known as keratoconus, emphasising the importance of regular eye tests.
Speaking about his own experience with the procedure, Alan said: “He had to basically choke me because this air going into my eye was too much. At Moorfields, they anaesthetised my eyeball, and then the spike came in onto the lens to see if it worked. They said: ‘Just relax Alan, and just concentrate on the spike going into your eye.’ I’m like excuse me? What? Oh good, the spike is coming closer. Relax. It was so surreal. Losing my sight is my worst thing, and I can feel it getting worse.”
The NHS advises that everyone should have their eyes tested at least every two years, even if they don’t wear glasses. This is to help spot early signs of eye disease.
It’s also important to be aware of any family history of eye conditions and consider your ethnicity, as some groups may be at higher risk. In addition, maintaining a healthy diet, wearing sunglasses with UV protection, and giving up smoking are all crucial for preserving your eye health.