Welsh snooker legend Mark Williams is navigating a serious and career-threatening battle with his eyesight, even as he progresses in the UK Championship. The three-time world champion has openly discussed his rapid vision decline, which has left him guessing on shots and forced him to postpone crucial corrective surgery three times due to fear.
A Rapid Decline in Vision
Mark Williams reported that his eyesight had "completely gone" in the six months leading up to March 2025. What began as blurriness on long pots has now escalated, affecting "everything" he sees on the snooker table. The veteran player confirmed the issue is ongoing and worsening, stating it is "getting worse by the month." He has described playing as being "half-blind," admitting he often has "no idea if the balls pot" and cannot clearly read the large scoreboard during matches.
Failed Solutions and Surgical Fear
Williams has tried to find a practical solution, experimenting with contact lenses during major tournaments like the World Championship. However, he found them "very difficult and really uncomfortable" and decided he was better off without them. The stark reality of his condition is highlighted when he puts on normal glasses, which instantly show him "how bad my eyes actually are" by making the table clear.
The planned fix was lens replacement surgery, which Williams intended to undergo after the 2025 World Championship to prolong his career. Yet, a deep-seated apprehension has stopped him. He fears a botched operation could end his career entirely, leading him to postpone the procedure repeatedly. After a successful World Championship run, he has delayed the surgery three times, even joking about asking for a refund on his deposit as his form remained strong despite the impairment.
Playing Through the Blur
Despite these significant challenges, Williams' skill and experience have seen him through to the second round of the current UK Championship. His ability to compete at the highest level while relying heavily on guesswork and muscle memory is a testament to his talent. However, the situation casts a shadow over the future of his career at the top of the sport, with the player in a precarious position of needing surgery to continue but terrified of its potential consequences.
