Mark Williams, the celebrated snooker player, is currently facing significant challenges due to his deteriorating eyesight. Despite advancing to the second round of the UK Championship, Williams has revealed that his vision issues are becoming increasingly problematic.
Worsening Eyesight Concerns
Over the past six months, Williams has reported rapid deterioration in his vision. Previously, only long shots appeared blurry. Now, he describes his sight as “completely gone,” stating, “everything’s blurry.”
Impact on Performance
These visual impairments have severely impacted his gameplay. Williams admits to often being unsure if he can pot the balls, leading him to “guess” during matches. He describes his condition as being “half-blind,” making the game much more challenging.
Struggles with Vision Correction
- Wearing glasses: While they provide clarity when viewing the table, they have made him acutely aware of how poor his sight has become.
- Contact lenses: Although he tried playing with contact lenses, he found them uncomfortable and ineffective.
Decisions on Surgery
Initially, Williams planned to undergo lens replacement surgery after the World Championship in May 2025. He scheduled the operation for June 12, believing it could extend his snooker career by several years.
However, following a successful performance at the World Championship, he postponed the surgery, doing so three times. Williams humorously requested a refund on his deposit, indicating that his recent success made him reconsider the procedure.
Fear of Complications
Williams has expressed concern about the potential risks associated with surgery. He fears that an unsuccessful operation could jeopardize his career. He reflected on a conversation with fellow player Anthony Hamilton, who shared that a similar surgery had adverse effects on his own career.
Additional Health Concerns
In addition to his eyesight issues, Williams is experiencing a decline in energy levels during matches. He has noticed that he is “fading really fast,” especially as matches progress, further complicating his performance.
Mark Williams is clearly facing a challenging health battle that raises concerns about his future in professional snooker. His current struggles with eyesight and energy levels reflect the physical toll of competitive sports. As he navigates these issues, his fans remain hopeful for his continued success on the table.
