Luke Littler Says Childhood Eye Surgery Changed His Life and Darts Career

Luke Littler has revealed his life could have taken a very different path had he not undergone corrective eye surgery as a child.

Doctors sent Littler to Warrington Hospital at a young age to correct strabismus, a condition commonly known as cross-eye, where the eyes fail to align properly. His parents decided to proceed with the operation — a choice that has since proved life-changing.

Now a teenage world champion, Littler believes the surgery helped set him on the path to becoming the best darts player on the planet.

“It Had to Be Sorted”

Reflecting on the procedure, Littler admitted it was not something he thought much about at the time.

“Well, who knows? It’s one of those things — it had to be sorted,” he said. “My mum and dad wanted it sorted.

“When I was younger, I didn’t really care. But looking back now, it was a good thing to get done at the time.”

Littler underwent the surgery when he was just four or five years old and has little memory of the experience.

“I don’t really remember it now,” he explained. “There are pictures my family put up from when I was resting afterwards. I was obviously very tired. But now everything’s good.”

Eyesight Key to Darts Success

The teenager stressed how vital good eyesight is in elite darts, where precision and focus are crucial.

“Obviously, eyesight is really important,” he said. “It had to be done, and it got done.”

Littler added that the hospital visit marked the last time he needed treatment for the condition.

Christmas Belongs to Darts

Littler resumes his bid to retain the World Championship title he won in January when the tournament continues at Alexandra Palace on Saturday.

With England struggling in the Ashes and Premier League football spread thinly over the festive period, Littler believes darts remains the standout sporting event of Christmas.

“Just tune in,” he said. “The sport has taken off massively, leaps and bounds. Christmas is darts.

“There’s football on as well, but all I see is that Christmas is for darts. If anyone’s not watching it at the minute, they should definitely turn it on after Christmas.”