Callum Jones
Stevie Wonder has addressed long-running speculation that he can actually see and may not be blind after all.
Contrary to belief, Wonder was not blind at birth, but instead lost his vision at around six weeks old due to a condition called retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
Because the famed musician was premature, he was placed in an incubator for the first part of his life. And because the incubator contained too much oxygen, ROP developed.
ROP is an eye disease that impacts premature babies, where abnormal blood vessels grow in the retina. The growth can lead to vision loss or even blindness if it's not treated quickly.
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While eye exams are crucial for early detection, later signs include unusual eye movements, a white or cloudy appearance of the eye and crossed eyes.
Wonder addressed his condition during a show in Cardiff, Wales, for his Love, Light and Song tour that is currently embarking on its UK leg.
In a video shared by the Cardiff Life Instagram page, Wonder said: "I must say to all of you, something that I was thinking, ‘When did I want to let the world know this?’ But I wanted to say it right now.
"You know there have been rumors about me seeing and all that? But seriously, you know the truth."
Setting the record straight, the 75-year-old added: "Truth is, shortly after my birth, I became blind. Now, that was a blessing because it’s allowed me to see the world in the vision of truth, of sight.
"See people in the spirit of them, not how they look. Not what color they are, but what color is their spirit?"
A story previously detailed by Shaquille O'Neal about an encounter he had with Wonder in the elevator previously sparked speculation the veteran musician may be able to see.
According to the sporting star, the pair lived in the same building complex on Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, when the chance encounter happened.
While the valets were parking Wonder’s car, the singer headed towards the lobby where O’Neal was waiting in the lift.
Despite not being able to see, Wonder allegedly recognised the NBA player immediately.
O'Neal explained: "He comes in, says ‘what’s up Shaq'. Presses the button, it’s a true story, presses the button, gets off on his floor by himself, goes to his room.
"I went and called every person I knew and told the story. They didn’t believe me."