21 year old faces blindness despite perfect vision. She has to tape her eyes open just to see
At just 21, Tia-Leigh Streamer faces a daily struggle many can't imagine: she has to physically tape her eyelids open to see the world around her. What began as a minor eye issue two years ago has now become a life-altering condition that doctors call blepharospasm—a rare neurological disorder that causes uncontrollable eyelid twitching and, in severe cases like Tia-Leigh's, leads to complete and sustained eye closure.In an interview with The Sun, she shared that though her eyesight is perfectly healthy, the condition leaves her effectively blind. Classified as " functional blindness ," it means her eyes work, but she can't use them because her eyelids won't stay open. Tia-Leigh's diagnosis didn't come quickly. After initially waking up with a droopy eyelid, she assumed it was hay fever. It wasn't until months later, when she awoke unable to open either eye, that she finally received clarity on what was happening.Now, she relies on regular Botox injections to weaken the muscles responsible for closing her eyes. These injections are given every 8 to 10 weeks, but their effect only lasts a few weeks at best. In between treatments, she must either physically hold her eyelids open or use tape and glue—methods that come with their own set of complications, like bruising and long-term eye damage.The impact on her daily life has been profound. Once training to become an accountant, she had to give up her career due to the constant screen work required, which she can no longer manage. She rarely leaves the house alone and needs help with even basic tasks, such as preparing food or cutting it during meals. Former hobbies like crocheting have also become impossible, as one hand is always needed to keep her eyelid open.Despite the physical and emotional toll, Tia-Leigh recently celebrated a joyful milestone—her wedding. She carefully timed her Botox injections so she could have her eyes open on her special day. Looking ahead, she hopes to become a mother one day but admits the thought is daunting. Her condition worsens at night, leaving her unable to open her eyes at all, leading to anxiety about how she'll manage future responsibilities.Her doctors are now exploring new ways to improve the effects of the Botox, adjusting dosage and injection locations in hopes of achieving longer-lasting relief.
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Economic Times
2 days ago
- Economic Times
21 year old faces blindness despite perfect vision. She has to tape her eyes open just to see
21-year-old has perfect eyesight but lives functionally blind due to rare condition. (Image used for representative purpose only. Pic courtesy- istock) At just 21, Tia-Leigh Streamer faces a daily struggle many can't imagine: she has to physically tape her eyelids open to see the world around her. What began as a minor eye issue two years ago has now become a life-altering condition that doctors call blepharospasm—a rare neurological disorder that causes uncontrollable eyelid twitching and, in severe cases like Tia-Leigh's, leads to complete and sustained eye closure. In an interview with The Sun, she shared that though her eyesight is perfectly healthy, the condition leaves her effectively blind. Classified as "functional blindness," it means her eyes work, but she can't use them because her eyelids won't stay open. Tia-Leigh's diagnosis didn't come quickly. After initially waking up with a droopy eyelid, she assumed it was hay fever. It wasn't until months later, when she awoke unable to open either eye, that she finally received clarity on what was happening. Now, she relies on regular Botox injections to weaken the muscles responsible for closing her eyes. These injections are given every 8 to 10 weeks, but their effect only lasts a few weeks at best. In between treatments, she must either physically hold her eyelids open or use tape and glue—methods that come with their own set of complications, like bruising and long-term eye impact on her daily life has been profound. Once training to become an accountant, she had to give up her career due to the constant screen work required, which she can no longer manage. She rarely leaves the house alone and needs help with even basic tasks, such as preparing food or cutting it during meals. Former hobbies like crocheting have also become impossible, as one hand is always needed to keep her eyelid the physical and emotional toll, Tia-Leigh recently celebrated a joyful milestone—her wedding. She carefully timed her Botox injections so she could have her eyes open on her special day. Looking ahead, she hopes to become a mother one day but admits the thought is daunting. Her condition worsens at night, leaving her unable to open her eyes at all, leading to anxiety about how she'll manage future doctors are now exploring new ways to improve the effects of the Botox, adjusting dosage and injection locations in hopes of achieving longer-lasting relief.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
21 year old faces blindness despite perfect vision. She has to tape her eyes open just to see
At just 21, Tia-Leigh Streamer faces a daily struggle many can't imagine: she has to physically tape her eyelids open to see the world around her. What began as a minor eye issue two years ago has now become a life-altering condition that doctors call blepharospasm—a rare neurological disorder that causes uncontrollable eyelid twitching and, in severe cases like Tia-Leigh's, leads to complete and sustained eye an interview with The Sun, she shared that though her eyesight is perfectly healthy, the condition leaves her effectively blind. Classified as " functional blindness ," it means her eyes work, but she can't use them because her eyelids won't stay open. Tia-Leigh's diagnosis didn't come quickly. After initially waking up with a droopy eyelid, she assumed it was hay fever. It wasn't until months later, when she awoke unable to open either eye, that she finally received clarity on what was she relies on regular Botox injections to weaken the muscles responsible for closing her eyes. These injections are given every 8 to 10 weeks, but their effect only lasts a few weeks at best. In between treatments, she must either physically hold her eyelids open or use tape and glue—methods that come with their own set of complications, like bruising and long-term eye impact on her daily life has been profound. Once training to become an accountant, she had to give up her career due to the constant screen work required, which she can no longer manage. She rarely leaves the house alone and needs help with even basic tasks, such as preparing food or cutting it during meals. Former hobbies like crocheting have also become impossible, as one hand is always needed to keep her eyelid the physical and emotional toll, Tia-Leigh recently celebrated a joyful milestone—her wedding. She carefully timed her Botox injections so she could have her eyes open on her special day. Looking ahead, she hopes to become a mother one day but admits the thought is daunting. Her condition worsens at night, leaving her unable to open her eyes at all, leading to anxiety about how she'll manage future doctors are now exploring new ways to improve the effects of the Botox, adjusting dosage and injection locations in hopes of achieving longer-lasting relief.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
She didn't eat a bite until she was 10! Tia-Mae McCarthy ‘The Girl Who Never Ate' tragically died at 26
Tia-Mae McCarthy, whose rare and mysterious medical condition made her the focus of a heart-rending 2006 UK documentary titled 'The Girl Who Never Ate', has tragically passed away at the age of 26. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Her early life story, defined by survival against immense odds and a baffling refusal to eat, resonated with millions and captivated the attention of medical professionals across Britain. Born 12 weeks premature and diagnosed with a rare congenital condition known as oesophageal atresia, Tia-Mae underwent life-saving surgery within her first months of life. Yet despite this, she did not eat a single bite of food by mouth for nearly a decade. For years, her mother, Sue McCarthy, became a determined figure in British media, seeking answers from specialists, doctors, and therapists who could not understand the psychological or physiological cause behind her daughter's refusal to eat. Tia-Mae's story became emblematic of both medical resilience and maternal perseverance. In time, she overcame her eating aversion, grew into a joyful, creative young woman with a love for horse riding and arts and crafts. Her sudden and unexpected death has left family, friends, and fans stunned. Born without a working esophagus, Tia-Mae's battle began at birth Tia-Mae's ordeal began at birth. She was delivered 12 weeks prematurely and diagnosed with oesophageal atresia, a rare and serious condition where the oesophagus does not form a continuous passage to the stomach. This defect affects approximately 1 in 3,500 newborns. At just three months old, surgeons performed a radical operation: Tia-Mae's stomach was relocated into her chest cavity so her digestive tract could function. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The surgery was considered successful, anatomically. However, what followed left the medical community bewildered. Despite being physically capable of swallowing, Tia-Mae showed a complete psychological aversion to eating. The Girl Who Never Ate : A national medical mystery As Tia-Mae grew, it became clear she wasn't developing a typical relationship with food. She refused to eat by mouth, even after doctors confirmed she could. From infancy through childhood, she was sustained entirely through overnight tube feeding, which delivered essential nutrients while she slept. In the documentary The Girl Who Never Ate, her mother Sue's desperate search for answers took center stage. The family sought out nutritionists, behavioral therapists, gastroenterologists, and psychologists. Yet, no one could offer a clear diagnosis or path forward. Theories included post-traumatic stress from early surgeries, severe oral aversion, sensory processing disorder, or food phobia—but none were definitive. Tia-Mae's case became symbolic of the limitations of modern medicine when it comes to the intersection of physical and psychological health. From tube feeding to gourmet tastes: Tia-Mae's remarkable turnaround Despite years of food therapy, it wasn't until age 15 that Tia-Mae slowly began to eat by mouth. The breakthrough appeared sudden, and she quickly developed a palate that surprised those around her—salmon, venison, and scallops were among her favorites. Her transition was not just nutritional; it marked a significant psychological shift. For the first time, she could enjoy social moments centered around meals and begin experiencing one of the most fundamental joys of human life. Though it took over a decade, Tia-Mae overcame what seemed impossible—a victory that inspired countless families facing similar struggles. Tia-Mae's joyful life, full of creativity and passion While Tia-Mae lived with developmental disabilities that prevented her from living independently or holding employment, she led a deeply fulfilling life. Her brother, Fin, now 22, spoke movingly to The Daily Mail about her personality and passions. 'She had a bit of a cough, but was otherwise well,' he recalled. 'Her mindset was a lot younger than her physical age… but she had a very full life. She loved horse riding, and she was really into her arts and crafts.' Tia-Mae found comfort in creativity. Whether it was painting, sculpting, or designing handmade gifts, her artistic expression was a cornerstone of her daily joy. Tia-Mae's untimely and shocking death Tia-Mae passed away suddenly and without warning at the age of 26. The precise cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, and her family has expressed shock, noting she had only a mild cough prior. A GoFundMe page has been launched to assist her grieving family during this difficult time. The outpouring of support from across the UK underscores just how deeply her story touched hearts—both when she first appeared in the public eye and now, as people reflect on her short but inspiring life. Legacy and impact Tia-Mae McCarthy leaves behind a legacy of resilience, mystery, and quiet strength. Her story offered hope to families navigating rare medical conditions and complex behavioral disorders. The attention her case received helped raise awareness about feeding disorders and the psychological impact of early-life trauma. She is remembered not just for her early medical struggles but for the bright, loving young woman she became—an individual who defied odds and embraced life with joy, creativity, and passion.
