The Tragic Medical Mistake: When Exactly Did Stevie Wonder Become Blind?

The enduring mystery surrounding Stevie Wonder’s blindness is one of the most frequently searched questions about the legendary musician, and the definitive answer is both simple and heartbreaking. As of December 2025, the facts remain clear: Stevie Wonder did not lose his sight later in life, nor was he technically born blind; his vision loss occurred shortly after his birth in 1950 due to a critical medical complication.

This article dives deep into the exact cause of his blindness, the medical condition known as Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), and how a life-saving measure—the use of an incubator—tragically led to his permanent loss of sight. We also address the persistent, viral rumors that the music icon is not actually blind, a topic he has been forced to address even in recent years.

Stevie Wonder: Full Biography and Profile

Stevie Wonder is not just a musician; he is a global cultural icon, a multi-instrumentalist, and a child prodigy whose career spans over six decades. His profound influence on R&B, pop, soul, and funk music is unparalleled, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time.

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• Full Name: Stevland Hardaway Judkins (later Stevland Hardaway Morris)
• Stage Name: Little Stevie Wonder (early career), Stevie Wonder
• Date of Birth: May 13, 1950
• Place of Birth: Saginaw, Michigan, U.S.
• Parents: Lula Mae Hardaway and Calvin Judkins
• Genre: Soul, R&B, Pop, Funk, Gospel
• Key Career Milestones: Signed to Motown’s Tamla label at age 11; released the hit single “Fingertips” at 13; pioneered the use of synthesizers in R&B; won 25 Grammy Awards.
• Notable Albums: Talking Book, Innervisions, Fulfillingness’ First Finale, Songs in the Key of Life (often cited as one of the greatest albums of all time).

The Exact Moment: The Cause of Stevie Wonder’s Blindness

The question of "when did Stevie Wonder become blind" is best answered by understanding the circumstances of his birth. He was born six weeks premature, a critical factor that set the stage for his subsequent vision loss.

The Diagnosis: Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)

Stevie Wonder’s blindness is caused by a condition called Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP). This eye disorder is common in infants born prematurely, as the blood vessels in the retina have not yet fully developed.

In premature babies, the growth of these blood vessels can become disorganized. This can lead to the formation of scar tissue, which pulls on the retina and can cause it to detach, resulting in permanent blindness.

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The Tragic Medical Error: Excessive Oxygen in the Incubator

While ROP was the underlying condition, the factor that sealed his fate was the medical practice of the time. As a premature baby, the infant Stevland was placed in a hospital incubator to help him survive.

In the 1950s, medical professionals administered high levels of oxygen to premature infants in these incubators. Unfortunately, it was later discovered that this excessive oxygen concentration was toxic to the delicate, developing blood vessels in the retina.

The high-oxygen environment caused the blood vessels to constrict and then overgrow, leading to the formation of scar tissue and ultimately, permanent vision loss due to retinal damage. Therefore, he became blind shortly after his birth in 1950, while still an infant in the hospital.

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Debunking the Myth: Is Stevie Wonder Really Blind?

Despite the clear medical facts, a bizarre and persistent rumor has circulated for decades: that Stevie Wonder is not actually blind. This speculation has gained traction on the internet and has been fueled by anecdotal stories and viral videos.

The rumor often suggests that his blindness is an elaborate, lifelong hoax. However, the music legend himself has taken steps to definitively shut down this speculation, even in very recent years.

Recent Confirmation from the Man Himself

In August 2024, following a performance at the Democratic National Convention (DNC), the rumors resurfaced online, prompting updated media coverage. Furthermore, during his "Love, Light & Song" mini-tour through Europe, Stevie Wonder directly addressed the long-standing speculation.

In a recent concert, he confirmed that he became blind shortly after birth, saying, "I wanted to say it right now." He has often responded to the rumors with humor, once joking that if he wasn't really blind, he would have accidentally married the wrong person by now.

The ongoing need to address this myth underscores the public’s fascination with his life. His incredible abilities on the piano, harmonica, and drums are so extraordinary that some find it easier to believe he is faking his condition than to accept the sheer magnitude of his talent and musical genius.

The Impact of Blindness on Stevie Wonder's Career

Stevie Wonder's vision loss is an integral part of his life story, but it has never defined the limits of his artistry. He is a powerful testament to overcoming adversity, transforming a medical tragedy into a unique path to creative expression.

His early musical training, which began by age eight, was intensely focused on sound, rhythm, and touch. Being blind since infancy meant his other senses developed with extraordinary acuity, giving him a distinct advantage in the world of music.

His ability to master multiple instruments—including the clavinet, which led to the iconic sound of "Superstition"—and to compose complex, multi-layered songs like "Higher Ground" and "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" is a direct result of his innate talent combined with this heightened sensory world. He truly sees the world through sound, making him one of the most influential and beloved figures in music history.