Glenn Beck Says He Could Be Completely Blind by Next Year

Glenn Beck announced to an audience during his keynote speech of his "American Revival" tour that he hasn't been able to focus his eyes and his Doctor said he could be completely blind in a year or so due to Macular dystrophy.

Beck made the tearful announcement on a stop in his tour in Salt Lake City, Utah Saturday July 17th. Beck said his Doctor told him depending on the progression of the disease he could be totally blind next year or within the next 10 years.

Glenn Beck used the topic of his slow loss of vision as a way to illustrate a point he was making about the blessings of God. Beck told the audience, "After I stopped feeling sorry for myself, I truly came to a place which is the greatest blessing: Lord, if you need my eyes, they're yours. They were yours the whole time anyway. Thank you for letting me see as far as I have."

But experts in the disease said they believe the Fox News talk show host may have been speaking figuratively when he referred to his possible blindness. Macular dystrophies generally only results in the loss of macular, or central vision, but leaves the peripheral vision intact.

In advanced stages the patient suffering from the disease could be labeled 'legally blind' and would be unable to drive a car or read something like a book or newspaper, but their peripheral vision remains intact and they should be able to see light, shadows and large letters.

When asked which form of Macular Degeneration the talk show host might have, representatives for Glenn Beck refused to comment further.

Experts said based on Beck's age, 46, he may be suffering from a form of retinal macular dystrophy which has no known cure.

Beck speaks frequently about his unwavering belief in God and the good work God can do for those who believe. He said he sought solace in his faith and humor at the situation. He tried to make light of his prognosis at the speech on Saturday saying he loves to read but will be "too darn lazy to learn Braille."

As the disease progresses Glenn Beck will probably lose his central vision, his ability to recognize faces, to read anything that isn't in extremely large lettering and to perform other tasks that require the ability to see detail.