- Luke Littler, the 18-year-old reigning PDC World Darts Champion, underwent corrective surgery for strabismus at age four or five.
- The procedure at Warrington Hospital addressed eye misalignment, a condition not always requiring surgery.
- Littler credits the operation for enabling his darts precision, noting eyesight’s critical role in the sport.
- He faces Mensur Suljovic in the third round of the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship on December 27, 2025.
Littler’s Personal Revelation
Luke Littler shared a poignant detail about his early life during the buildup to the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship. The world No. 1 revealed he had surgery as a young child to correct strabismus—a condition where eyes do not properly align, sometimes called “cross-eye” or “squint.”
Treated at Warrington Hospital when he was “four or five,” Littler has few memories but appreciates the intervention: “Obviously, eyesight is really important.” Family photos from recovery show him resting post-operation.
He reflected on potential differences without it: “Who knows?” Yet gratitude prevails—”now we’re all good.” Littler thanked his parents for acting early, preventing complications like blurred vision or lazy eye.
Strabismus affects about one in 20 British children; surgery, typically an hour under anaesthetic, realigns muscles effectively.
Connection to Darts Success
Precision defines darts—millimeter margins decide millions. Littler’s corrected vision supports his elite accuracy, from youth prodigies to world champion at 17 in January 2025.
The revelation adds human depth to “The Nuke’s” meteoric rise. Viral toddler throwing videos hinted at the condition, but surgery enabled focus.
Littler avoids annual eye tests, planning visits only if vision blurs—confident in current health.
Current Tournament Focus
Littler defends his title at Alexandra Palace. After straight-set wins in rounds one and two, he met Mensur Suljovic in round three on December 27 evening session.
The PDC World Darts Championship 2026 features a record field and £5m prize pool (£1m to winner). Littler aims to become the first back-to-back champion since Gary Anderson (2015-16).
His form—high averages, clinical finishing—positions him as favorite amid shocks like Gerwyn Price’s early exit.
| Luke Littler’s Key Career Milestones |
|---|
| Youngest World Champion: Age 17 (January 2025) |
| World No. 1 Ranking |
| Multiple TV Titles: UK Open, World Matchplay, etc. |
| 2026 Championship: Defending title |
Luke Littler’s disclosure about childhood strabismus surgery offers insight into the person behind the prodigy. The operation at Warrington Hospital corrected misalignment, potentially pivotal for a sport demanding perfect sightlines.
Littler expressed thanks: “It had to be done… thankful parents got it sorted.” Recovery photos shared by family capture vulnerability contrasting today’s dominance.
Untreated strabismus risks vision issues; early intervention proved wise. Littler’s casual approach—no routine tests unless needed—reflects youth and confidence.
This story humanizes the champion amid intense spotlight. From nappy-throwing toddler to Ally Pally king, challenges shaped resilience.
The 2026 World Championship intensifies: Littler’s third-round clash tested adaptation against slower styles. Dominant displays affirm readiness for repeat glory.
Fans appreciate authenticity—Littler’s openness builds connection beyond oche.
His journey inspires: overcoming early hurdles to elite status. Eyesight “sorted,” focus turns to retaining the Sid Waddell Trophy.
