The snooker star is through to the second round of the UK Championship but has revealed his worsening eyesight is threatening to wreck his career
15:31, 01 Dec 2025
Williams is through to the second round of the UK Championship(Image: Getty)
Everything Mark Williams has said about his worsening eyesight:
- Rapid deterioration: Williams admitted his eyes had “completely gone” and his vision had “deteriorated quite bad” over the six months leading up to March 2025. He noted that while previously only long shots were blurry, now “everything’s blurry.”
- Impact on play: He confessed that due to the blurriness, he often has “no idea if the balls pot” and is forced to be “guessing on everything.” He has described his current state of play as being “half-blind” and finds it hard enough as it is.
- Worsening condition: Williams has publicly stated that the problem is “getting worse by the month.” He mentioned he cannot even clearly see the scoreboard when he is playing, stating that “it’s all a blur.”
- Glasses vs. contacts: He found that wearing glasses makes him realise “how bad my eyes actually are,” as the table becomes crystal clear. He has also attempted to play with contact lenses but found it “very difficult and really uncomfortable,” ultimately deciding he was “better off going without them.”
- Decision for surgery: Williams initially revealed plans to get lens replacement surgery after the World Championship in May 2025. He was booked in for the procedure on June 12, hoping it would “prolong my career for another four or five years.”
- Postponing the operation: After a successful run at the World Championship, Williams decided to postpone the surgery, which he has since delayed three times. He jokingly asked for a refund on his deposit, suggesting his good form despite the issues made him reconsider the need for the operation.
- Fear of complications: The three-time World Champion is “scared” to get the operation because he fears that an unsuccessful procedure could mean “the end of your career.” He also spoke to fellow professional Anthony Hamilton, who claimed a similar surgery “ruined his career.”
- Additional health concern: Williams has also voiced a separate concern about his energy levels, noting that he is “fading really fast in matches now.” He admitted he is unsure of the exact cause, but the problem is particularly noticeable the longer a match goes on.
READ THE FULL STORY: Mark Williams’ huge net worth, snooker earnings and health battle
