Richard Osman starring on House Of Games
TV

House Of Games star Richard Osman on eye condition and how it’s impacted his career

The BBC star was born with the complex condition

| Updated:

Richard Osman is known for his popular quiz show House Of Games, but fans may not realise that he actually suffers from a complex eye condition.

The 53-year-old presenter, who sports thick black glasses, has previously opened up his eyesight struggles.

But what does Richard suffer from? And how does it affect his daily work?

Richard Osman at Endemol
Richard Osman suffers from a nystagmus, a complex eye condition (Credit: SplashNews.com)

House of Games star Richard Osman on health condition

The Pointless star was born with nystagmus, an eye condition that dramatically reduces his vision.

Richard previously opened up about his health battle in 2013.

He told the Daily Mail: “Staring at a fixed point when your eyes are constantly moving can make you feel nauseous and you want to look away. I prefer my head and body to be off-centre, like in Pointless.”

I don’t think I’d have the career I have now if I didn’t have poor eyesight

Despite there being no cure to the condition, it hasn’t stopped Richard in his career.

In fact, the condition has actually worked in his favour.

Richard added: “I don’t think I’d have the career I have now if I didn’t have poor eyesight. When I am editing a TV programme, there is no point asking me about a certain camera angle or the lighting. I can’t really see it. I want to talk about the feel of the show.

Richard Osman presenting House Of Games
Richard appears on his BBC show House Of Games (Credit: BBC)

“I’ve found that while everyone else is thinking about what the set looks like, I am thinking hold on, that joke did not work or that relationship between those two people is not where it should be, and that is all I am focusing on, which is a useful skill.”

Richard’s mother Brenda also has nystagmus, while his older brother Mat does not.

But what exactly is the eye condition?

What is nystagmus?

According to the NHS website, nystagmus is a rhythmical, repetitive and involuntary movement of the eyes.

The movement is usually from side to side, but can sometimes be up and down.

However, a person suffering from nystagmus has no control over the movement.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Richard Osman (@misterosman)

While nystagmus can lead to blurry version, other symptoms include problems with balance, sensitivity to light and dizziness.

Difficulty seeing in the dark is another apparent side effect. Although glasses will not cure the condition, they do help with reduced vision.

Richard Osman's Funniest Bits on 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown!

Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think of this story.


Nancy Brown
Associate Editor