Luke Littler Reveals Childhood Eye Surgery Aided Darts Rise

Luke Littler, the reigning world darts champion and current world number one, has disclosed that corrective surgery for a childhood eye condition at age four or five likely shaped the trajectory of his remarkable career. The 18-year-old Englishman underwent the procedure at Warrington Hospital to treat strabismus, a disorder in which the eyes do not align properly, preventing them from focusing on the same point simultaneously.

Littler shared the details during interviews ahead of his title defense at the World Darts Championship in London. Born and raised in Warrington, he was diagnosed with the condition, which affects about one in 20 children in the UK. His parents, Anthony and Lisa, consulted medical professionals and opted for the surgery under general anesthesia. The operation, which typically lasts less than an hour, involves adjusting the eye muscles with dissolvable stitches and requires a short recovery period with an eye pad and pain relief for any soreness.

Reflecting on the experience, Littler said he has few personal memories of the event, relying instead on family photos that show him looking exhausted afterward. "I don't have memories of it now. But obviously it...