**Claudia Winkleman Opens Up About Lifelong Eye Condition as She Receives MBE Honour**
Television personality Claudia Winkleman has openly discussed the ongoing challenges she faces due to chronic vision problems, revealing that the severity of her eye condition has meant she’s hardly ever been able to see her own reflection clearly. The 53-year-old host, best known for helming *Strictly Come Dancing* and the hit series *The Traitors*, spoke about her significant visual impairment as she was named among the latest recipients in the King’s Birthday Honours.
Winkleman’s myopia, or short-sightedness, is unusually severe. Since childhood, she has suffered from an extreme form of the condition that can make navigating daily life difficult. In various interviews, she has described the world around her as perpetually blurred–a perspective she’s grown to embrace, finding comfort in life’s “fuzzy edges”.
Speaking candidly on the *How To Fail* podcast in November 2024, Winkleman reflected on the way her eye condition has influenced both her view of herself and her artistic sensibilities. “I’ve always had terrible eyesight, which ties into my fascination with things being a little blurry, a bit indistinct. That’s how I prefer life to be,” she said. She also explained that she was born with a prescription of minus 15, a level of short-sightedness that is so pronounced that, as she described, “I’ve never really been able to see my own face in the mirror. It’s all guesswork.”
Despite undergoing a series of operations to address her vision, including lens replacement procedures, Winkleman’s sight has shifted over time from extreme short-sightedness to long-sightedness. She has acknowledged that these medical efforts, while helpful, have introduced new challenges: she now finds it difficult to read without glasses, and even with lenses, tasks like reading an autocue on live television remain a struggle.
Winkleman’s openness about her difficulties has resonated with many who live with similar conditions. Announcing her MBE, she took the opportunity to express gratitude for the support she has received and for her professional journey. “I am incredibly grateful to receive this honour,” she remarked. “It’s a privilege to work alongside brilliant people, and I know I would not be here without them.”
Claudia’s anecdotal wit shone through as she addressed the unique way her vision – or lack thereof – influences her approach to glamour. “Some people like their lives neat and orderly. I love things a bit irregular and messy. That goes for my make-up too–I was never destined for perfect eyeliner,” she quipped, highlighting her preference for authenticity over perfection.
Her vision issues have also raised concerns about the practicality of her chosen profession. In a previous interview, Winkleman admitted, “I can’t even begin to tell you how blind I am. I probably shouldn’t even be driving. Sometimes it feels like I’m doing the wrong job.” Yet, this candour about her limitations has only fuelled her popularity and endeared her to viewers who appreciate her forthrightness and humour.
Winkleman’s recent recognition – being named a Member of the Order of the British Empire alongside her *Strictly Come Dancing* co-host Tess Daly – marks a significant milestone in her career, and she has been quick to share the honour with her colleagues. “This is for the BBC, for everyone I’ve worked with, and for those who have supported me,” she said. Ever the entertainer, she added, “I’ll celebrate by buying a hat and taking my mum, and Tess and I will be dancing a paso doble.”
Winkleman’s journey is a testament to resilience in the face of persistent adversity. Her story offers a reminder that visible perfection need not be the goal–embracing imperfection, whether in vision or in life, can be liberating. As she continues to thrive in the public eye, her openness stands as both an inspiration and a comfort to others quietly facing similar challenges.