Popular streamer Darren “IShowSpeed” Watkins Jr. is back in the hospital, this time undergoing eye surgery on Thursday, March 13, 2025. The procedure is reportedly linked to lingering complications from the severe sinus infection he battled in 2023. The 20-year-old internet sensation, known for his high-energy streams and massive online presence, had fans worried sick during that health scare two years ago. Now, this latest surgery has understandably reignited concerns among his 25 million-strong subscriber base.
Flashback to 2023: A Health Scare in Japan
For those who might not remember, IShowSpeed’s health took a troubling turn in July 2023 during a trip to Japan. While in Tokyo, he suffered from brutal cluster headaches, and his right eye swelled up severely. He described the pain as feeling like someone was “stabbing [his] eye with a knife”—pretty intense stuff. Rushed to a hospital, doctors diagnosed a serious sinus infection that posed a risk to his vision. At the time, he even shared some deeply concerning thoughts, admitting he “almost jumped off a Japanese building” because the pain was so unbearable.
After weeks of treatment and overwhelming support from fans—some of whom gathered outside the hospital—IShowSpeed thankfully recovered and returned to streaming. However, it appears that the underlying issues haven’t completely gone away, leading to this latest surgery.
Why the Hospital Visit Now?
IShowSpeed’s hospitalization on March 13, 2025, is reportedly due to complications stemming from that 2023 sinus infection. The surgery aims to address potential damage or chronic inflammation in his right eye. While some initial online speculation linked it to a recurrence of cluster headaches, experts suggest it’s more likely related to aftereffects such as orbital cellulitis or optic nerve strain—conditions that can develop if infections aren’t fully resolved.
There hasn’t been an official statement from Speed or his team regarding the exact details of the procedure, but posts on X (formerly Twitter) and updates from outlets like Dexerto confirm that the surgery took place on Thursday.
Since the news broke, fans have flooded social media with messages of support and well-wishes, hoping for a speedy recovery. The timing of the surgery comes after a busy period for him, including his recent appearance at the 2025 Sidemen Charity Match, where he even managed to score a goal and help the YouTube All-Stars secure the win!
What’s Next for IShowSpeed?
If there’s one thing about IShowSpeed, it’s that he’s resilient. After his 2023 health scare, he bounced back stronger than ever, hitting major milestones—including reaching 19 million YouTube subscribers while still in the hospital! Now, as he continues his meteoric rise, pulling in billions of views, this latest setback might cause a brief delay in his content. But knowing Speed’s dedication, fans can expect him to return with even more energy.
For now, the streaming community is eagerly awaiting updates on his condition. He’s always been open about his health struggles, often documenting them in vlogs and live streams, so fans will likely hear from him once he’s feeling up to it. Until then, we’re all sending good vibes and hoping for a smooth recovery for IShowSpeed!