Silas Robertson, best known as the eccentric Uncle Si on the hit reality show Duck Dynasty, has been notably absent from the public eye for the past few years. The usually vibrant uncle’s disappearing act left many fans wondering — what happened to Uncle Si?

Si Robertson Rises to Fame on Duck Dynasty

Before divulging into Si’s health issues, it’s worth looking back at how he became a beloved star. Duck Dynasty premiered in 2012 on A&E and focused on the Robertson’s family’s duck call business in Louisiana. Si emerged as one of the show’s most popular cast members.

Some interesting facts about Silas Robertson rise to fame:

• He was the youngest of 7 siblings in the Robertson family.
• Si served in the military during the Vietnam War. He often reminisced about his time in Vietnam on the show.
• His nickname “Si” came from his childhood tendency to drink too much tea, which his parents said made him “si-sic” (sick).
• Si worked at Duck Commander making duck calls since retiring from the Army.
• His hilarious one-liners and rambling stories made him an instant fan favorite on Duck Dynasty. His antics provided comic relief for the show.

At the height of Duck Dynasty’s popularity, Si and the rest of the Robertson family became reality TV celebrities. Though Si never expected or desired fame, he embraced it in his own quirky way.

Early Signs of Si’s Failing Health

Around 2016, loyal viewers of Duck Dynasty started noticing some concerning changes in Si. He seemed more subdued and frail during episodes. It was apparent that the then-72-year-old’s health was declining.

Specifically, fans observed:

• Si was less talkative and relied more on his nephew Alan as a spokesperson during events.
• He was photographed using a cane or walker to provide stability when walking.
• Si’s sons posted about having to help their dad more with daily activities.
• Closeups showed Si squinting, even when wearing sunglasses indoors.

In one episode focused on a Halloween hayride, Si decided not to participate and instead napped in a chair. This lack of enthusiasm was uncharacteristic for the usually spirited uncle.

By the final season of Duck Dynasty in 2017, fans were seriously wondering about Si’s mysterious health issues. They’d have to wait a bit longer for answers.

Si Robertson Reveals Choroideremia Diagnosis

After much speculation from fans, Si finally disclosed in a 2017 interview that he had been diagnosed with a medical condition called choroideremia. This explained the gradual decline in his vision over the past few years.

Here are some key facts about choroideremia, the rare eye disease plaguing Si:

• It mainly affects males due to its X-chromosome linked inheritance pattern.
• The condition causes the light-sensing retina and choroid layers of the eye to gradually degenerate.
• Symptoms like night blindness and tunnel vision usually start in childhood or early adulthood.
• There is currently no cure, but some emerging gene therapies look promising.
• Vision loss is progressive, often leading to complete blindness.

Si’s nephews Alan and Jep Robertson later revealed that multiple male members of the Robertson family carried the defective gene causing choroideremia. Si seemed to be the most severely impacted in terms of symptoms.

Jep commented on the shocking diagnosis:

“It hit Si the hardest. It’s like a bomb going off in your eyes.”

Still, Si tried to take his declining vision in stride. Despite needing sunglasses, magnifiers, and other assistance, Si powered through Duck Dynasty’s final season as best he could.

Dealing with Worsening Symptoms

After going public with his choroideremia diagnosis in 2017, Si experienced a rapid deterioration in his vision over the next few years. By late 2021, Si’s only functional vision was in his right eye. But even that was severely impaired.

According to Christine, Si’s wife of over 50 years:

“He cannot see at all with his left eye and has very limited vision in his right eye.”

Si required sunglasses at all times outdoors and inside due to light sensitivity. Reading anything became virtually impossible without strong magnifying glasses.

His balance also worsened, forcing him to rely heavily on guide dogs, canes, and family helpers to safely walk around. Simple tasks like getting dressed or eating became challenging without assistance.

Understandably, the vision loss took a major toll on Si’s independence and quality of life. He could no longer drive or enjoy hobbies like golf that required good vision. Still, Si tried to take the challenges in stride, focusing on maintaining a positive attitude.

Si Robertson Undergoes Major Eye Surgery

By early 2022, the Robertson family confirmed that Si would need to undergo major surgery on his right eye to try and preserve some vision. Without intervention, he risked going completely blind.

In March 2022, at 78 years old, Si traveled from his Louisiana home to Los Angeles. He would undergo a complicated procedure called a retinal reattachment surgery performed by a top retinal specialist.

Here are some details on Si’s eye surgery:

• The surgery aimed to reattach Si’s retina and prevent any further detachment.
• It involved removing the lens of Si’s eye and injecting silicone oil to hold the retina in place.
• The microsurgery utilized tiny surgical tools and high-powered microscopes.
• Family members expressed anxiety about risks like infection, bleeding, and high eye pressure.
• But the 3+ hour surgery was declared a success. Si’s retina was stabilized.

In a video after surgery, Si seemed in decent spirits though clearly fatigued. He even whispered a “Hey Jack” message to fans. But complications soon emerged.

Battling Post-Surgery Complications

While Si’s March 2022 surgery went smoothly at first, his recovery period proved difficult. One of the most worrisome issues was spiking eye pressure.

Left uncontrolled, high pressure in the eye can permanently damage the optic nerve and cause blindness. Si’s family grew alarmed as the elderly man’s eye pressure rose to dangerous levels in the days after surgery.

Thankfully, doctors were able to stabilize Si’s eye pressure with medications. Other complications like bleeding and swelling were also successfully managed.

Still, the high eye pressure highlighted fears about Si losing any remaining vision. The Robertson family kept supporters updated through Facebook posts:

“Please pray for Si as he has encountered several post surgery complications that are potentially very serious.”

But they assured well-wishers Si had excellent medical care and that his usual sense of humor remained intact. The road to recovery just proved rockier than anticipated.

Si Robertson Rests Up and Adjusts to Vision Loss

Since returning home in late March 2022, Si Robertson has been diligently recuperating and adjusting to his altered vision post-surgery. According to nephew Alan Robertson:

“He’s having to relearn everything and how to function without being able to see well.”

Word is that Si is taking the vision loss challenges in stride, even joking:

“It’s probably my own fault that I can’t see. I never ate my carrots when I was a kid.”

But in all seriousness, losing functional vision is a major life change. Si now depends heavily on his supportive wife Christine and other family members to safely navigate and complete tasks. Something as simple as walking across the room is totally different without sight.

Understandably, Si prefers to rest out of the public eye as he figures out how to adapt to blindness. But those close to him report Si remains in decent spirits all things considered.

The resilient Robertson family has faith that with their support, Si can still maintain a good quality of life. They appreciate all of the encouraging messages from Duck Dynasty fans rooting for Si during this difficult transition.

What’s Next for Si Robertson?

Looking ahead, Si Robertson faces an uncertain future as he copes with near total vision loss. There are still some hopeful possibilities:

• Emerging gene and stem cell therapies could one day cure choroideremia. Si plans to participate in research.
• Continued treatment may slow additional damage and preserve some sight.
• Advancing technology like smartphones for the visually impaired can aid independence.
• Si can still enjoy family time and share his stories through conversation.

While it’s unlikely Si will ever fully recover his vision at this point, medical breakthroughs could still improve his quality of life. Si’s family aims to keep fans updated on his progress.

The road ahead poses challenges, but Si Robertson has proven his resilience over and over again. He won’t let choroideremia or blindness dictate his future. Now in his late 70s, Si is focused on making the most of the time he has left—just maybe a bit more carefully nowadays!

Conclusion

In summary, Si Robertson has faced substantial health struggles in recent years. The eye disease choroideremia forced the Duck Dynasty star to undergo serious retinal surgery in 2022. While restoring Si’s vision is unlikely, there are still opportunities to enhance his quality of life. Knowing Si and his trademark sense of humor, he will find a way to persevere and inspire others along the way. The support and prayers of the Robertson family and Si’s multitude of fans will surely aid him on this difficult journey.

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