‘It had to be done’ – Luke Littler reveals he needed op aged four to fix problem that could have wrecked £2m darts dream

In the high-precision world of professional darts, where pinpoint accuracy can mean the difference between glory and defeat, perfect vision is everything. For Luke Littler, the reigning world champion and current world number one, that flawless eyesight might never have been possible without a crucial intervention in his early childhood. The 18-year-old sensation recently shared a personal story that underscores just how fragile his extraordinary career could have been: a corrective eye operation at the tender age of four or five to fix a condition known as strabismus, commonly referred to as a squint or crossed eyes.

Strabismus occurs when the eyes fail to align properly, potentially leading to issues with depth perception and focus—problems that could devastate a sport demanding razor-sharp hand-eye coordination like darts. Littler, now nicknamed “The Nuke” for his explosive talent, underwent the procedure at Warrington Hospital, the very place he returned to recently to spread holiday cheer among young patients. During that visit, he reflected on his own experience as a small child in the same wards, throwing magnetic darts with the kids and bringing smiles to their faces.

“I don’t even know what’s the right word. The slang version is bog eye, but what’s the actual word for it? I don’t have memories of it now,” Littler recounted with a mix of amusement and gratitude. “But obviously it had to be done and it got done. I was four or maybe five, obviously got it sorted.”

The decision wasn’t his own, of course—at that young age, he admits he “didn’t really care.” It was his parents who insisted on the surgery, recognizing the long-term implications. “It’s one of those things, obviously, it had to be sorted. Obviously, mum and dad wanted that sorted,” he explained. “When I was younger, I didn’t really care. But now you look at it, it was a good thing to get done at the time.”

Looking back, Littler acknowledges the profound impact that early operation had on his life. Without it, the trajectory that led him to become the youngest world champion in history—just 17 when he claimed the title in January—might have veered off course entirely. “Well, who knows?” he pondered when asked if his path could have been different. “Obviously, eyesight is really important. I don’t have many memories of that happening. There are pictures that my family put on. I was very tired at the time, obviously resting. But yeah, now we’re all good.”

Those family photos capture a sleepy post-surgery Littler, a moment frozen in time that now feels like a pivotal turning point. Today, his vision is described as “treble-20 perfect,” allowing him to dominate the oche with unprecedented precision. The teenager doesn’t even remember his last eye test outside of that childhood hospital visit, a testament to how effectively the issue was resolved.

Littler’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. Bursting onto the scene with a fairy-tale run to the World Championship final at 16, he went one better the following year, lifting the trophy and cementing his status as the sport’s brightest star. His achievements have already pushed his career earnings past the £2 million mark, with major titles, endorsements, and a top ranking fueling a lifestyle that includes luxurious touches befitting a young phenom.

Yet, amid the fame and fortune, Littler remains grounded, giving back in meaningful ways—like his recent hospital visit ahead of the ongoing World Championship at Alexandra Palace. There, he’s defending his crown, facing tough opponents as he aims to retain the title that redefined darts. The tournament, resuming with high-stakes matches, has become a holiday staple, drawing massive audiences during the festive season.

As Littler prepares for his next challenge, his story serves as an inspiring reminder of how early interventions can unlock untold potential. That childhood surgery didn’t just correct his eyes—it cleared the path for a darts dream that has captivated the world. With his parents’ foresight and a bit of medical magic, “The Nuke” now has the clear sight needed to aim for even greater heights, one flawless dart at a time.