I’m hoping to speak to someone who has real-life experience of having a prosthetic eye.
I’m in my mid-30s and have only ever had sight in one eye, as I’ve been blind in the other since birth. Over the last few years, though, my blind eye has become really uncomfortable, and things seem to have worsened quite a bit in the past year. I get fairly regular flare-ups with severe discomfort — burning, swelling, and pink eye symptoms.
It’s no longer just a physical issue either. The eye is shrinking, drifting off to the left, and it’s really affecting how I feel about myself. I feel embarrassed about how I look, I avoid eye contact, and I pretty much wear sunglasses all the time.
The eye specialists want me to exhaust every other option before considering removal, but I’m struggling to understand why. I have no vision in the eye, and the constant discomfort is taking such a toll on me. They’ve mentioned things like laser surgery, but nothing is actually happening — and unfortunately, going private just isn’t an option for me financially.
I feel like I’m at the end of my tether. I don’t want to spend the rest of my younger years feeling self-conscious and trying to hide my face. I’m starting to think that having the eye removed might actually be the best step forward.
I follow a few people on social media who have prosthetic eyes and you honestly can’t even tell in most cases — but I know social media only shows a small part of the reality, and I’d really like to hear from someone directly.
If anyone’s been through the process and would be willing to share their experience, I’d be so grateful.
I’d love to know things like:
• How did having a prosthetic eye make you feel, emotionally and physically?
• Does it move in sync with your other eye?
• Can you blink normally with it?
• Do you notice the difference yourself, or has anyone ever commented on it?
Thanks so much in advance to anyone who might be happy to chat.