Bono Vox
Bono Vox, lead singer of Irish band U2 and one of the most influential figures in contemporary music, is known not only for his distinctive voice and charismatic stage presence, but also for his iconic sunglasses. For many years, this accessory was seen as an essential part of his identity. However, the artist himself revealed that there is a medical reason behind this habit: Bono has suffered from glaucoma for over two decades.
In a 2014 interview on BBC's "The Graham Norton Show," Bono Vox publicly revealed that he had glaucoma. By making his condition public, he helped raise awareness about glaucoma. Millions of people around the world live with this disease, often without knowing it. The singer's statement helped break down stigmas and reinforce the importance of regular eye exams, encouraging early diagnosis and allowing for appropriate treatment to prevent disease progression and blindness. His global visibility turned a personal detail—the constant wearing of sunglasses—into an opportunity to talk about eye health.
The fact that he lives with glaucoma also reveals a more human side to the artist. Behind the stage persona, the lights, and the crowds, there is someone who faces health challenges like so many other people. The constant use of sunglasses is not just a style trait, but a necessity to protect his eyes from light sensitivity caused by the hypotensive eye drops used to treat this disease, as well as a need to "cover up" red eyes—another frequent side effect of using these drops.
Throughout his career, Bono has demonstrated resilience—both artistically and personally. He has continued to record, tour worldwide, and engage in global causes (international campaigns against extreme poverty, African foreign debt, the spread of HIV/AIDS), showing that a chronic medical condition does not necessarily define or limit one's path. Glaucoma has become just another element of his story, not the center of it.
So talking about Bono Vox and glaucoma is also talking about overcoming adversity, responsibility, and public awareness, reminding us that we should not neglect our health and the need for regular medical checkups, but that illness does not negate talent and creativity.
On the upcoming world tour, passing through Portugal, I will have the pleasure of working for Bono...
Author: Fernando Trancoso Vaz
