When I was born, my vision was unique due to me having latent nystagmus, a condition that causes involuntary eye movements in my left eye when my right is covered.
Growing up my mum and dad had realised that I had lazy eye. They decided to take me to the opticians where the optician discovered I had this condition leading to an early diagnosis. The optician said he had only seen one other person with the same condition and that I was the youngest person that he had seen with this condition.
The possibility of surgery was presented. However I decided against having the surgery. The risk of developing double vision as a result of the surgery was a significant concern for me.
I have 5 siblings and I was the only one to have this condition. I also had a squint that I had to wear eye patches for growing up.
As I’ve grown up, my nystagmus has become worse among both of my eyes shake. Despite the difficulties I wouldn’t trade it for anything. This unique aspect of my vision has become a part of who I am.
I started college last September and I am now studying performing arts. I hope to become an actor or a drama therapist in the future when I am older. I get extra support in my exams due to my eye condition.
I’m so thankful for the NHS and the specialists that help me with my condition. I also want to prove even though I have this condition I’m just the same as everybody else.