The acclaimed film director John Ford lost sight in his left eye due to an injury sustained in an accident on a movie set.
The On-Set Accident
John Ford's left eye was injured in an accident that occurred on a film set approximately 25 years before his death in 1973. This places the incident around 1948. Although the exact nature of the accident is not detailed, the injury eventually led to him losing sight in that eye.
Key details regarding the loss of his left eye include:
- Cause: An accident.
- Location: Occurred on a movie set during filming.
- Timing: Roughly 25 years before his passing, indicating a mid-century incident.
- Outcome: The injury ultimately resulted in the complete loss of sight in his left eye.
Lifelong Vision Challenges
Beyond the specific incident that caused the loss of sight in one eye, John Ford contended with poor eyesight throughout his entire life. This pre-existing condition necessitated him wearing thick, shaded prescription glasses consistently. The injury to his left eye compounded his enduring vision difficulties.
Impact and Public Appearance
In his later years, as a direct consequence of losing sight in his left eye, John Ford became well-known for wearing a distinctive black eye patch. This patch became a notable part of his public image, marking the long-term impact of the on-set injury.
