Keratoconus, a rare form of eye conditionThe lack of information and unwillingness to learn that most people possess can in most cases be very damaging to other people. It is said that knowledge is power, the more you view and react to sensitive issues the better person you become. With that said Keratoconus is rare form of eye condition that most people aren’t aware of. It is a progressive eye disease in which the normally round cornea thins and begins to bulge into a cone-like shape. This cone shape deflects light as it enters the eye on its way to the light-sensitive retina, causing distorted vision.
Photo cred: http://goo.gl/images/cnXZ5W This condition changed the life of a young lady, how she behaved socially and otherwise. The article is undoubtedly a must read in order to change the way people are oblivion to the forms of bullying because of lack of knowledge. Anita Sango (not real name) says this condition has affected her in many ways than she could have imagined. Not only has it lowered her self esteem since her diagnosis, but has forced her to be antisocial just to avoid having to explain her condition to people. HER STORY......
I remember very vividly in the early stages of my condition. I was still in high school and noticed that it was very hard to see the black chalk board though I hated the front row but was forced to move from the back because I just couldn’t see. Typically I thought I need to be prescribed reading glasses but boy didn’t I see the bomb that was awaiting me. I went for a check-up and that is when the doctors noticed that there was a problem with my cornea and was referred to a specialist in East London who then told me I had Keratoconus and in due time my eyes need to operated on. This affected me; I was called names such as four eyes, ugly, geek and sadly because of the glasses I was prescribed to improve my vision, I believed everything said about me. One of the happiest moments of my life was when I was told that there was a chance of improving my eye sight, the downside was I had to wait for an eye donor to die first and be a match before I was to be operated on. But as the years progressed I finally found a matching donor and had the operation done to my left eye. The vision improved a little and at least like everyone else had a normal cornea shape and so I was prescribed a combination of double lenses (left side) and triple lenses (right side) and it took me time to get used to them, a very difficult time in my life, a lot of down days than up. I had to repeat the 11th grade and my peers proceeded to the next grade leaving me behind. I was so embarrassed because I was always teased about my blindness. Fast forward to varsity days I had to start over again with having to explain my condition because I wore lenses all the time it triggered the curiosity of my peers as to what they were and why the need to put them on every day. My life was never easy, it still isn’t, knowing that I will wake up one of these days and be completely blind and that is why I cherish every moment. I found comfort in reading about anything that’s anything, making use of the time I still with my vision. At home I have a very supportive system and though unknowingly at times I get teased about my eyes but I know it’s not from a malicious place but siblings being silly. I wouldn’t wish this even on my worst enemy but God chose me and I am sure his reasoning is valid. I had the right eye operated on as well but still wear glasses and lenses at times but I have made peace with it now ,it is who I am. But I wish people could just stop and ask before making stupid silly jokes that could potentially destroy one’s self esteem and stick with them for the rest of their lives. Most times I feel lonely, other times I feel down but I always make sure that I am present in the moments of happy. The problem is not with the condition that I have but with knowing that one of these days I might wake up blind as a bat that is what gets to me. I have missed school and work because I sometimes wake up with my eyes blood red and very painful and since I have been removed from the medical aid stopped I am forced to go to Frere hospital for help. Bullying comes in all forms but it takes an individual to be the change that they want to see in the world. Sango is one of many individuals added to the statistics of bullying and that is not okay. She wishes her story could touch the heart of someone and thrive to be a better person in the future. By: Vuyokazi Vika |
Live your dreams
Life is not just about having luxurious house, car or a happy family but it is something that you work hard for. It is of a good cause that some women out there are hard workers and would do anything to reach to their destination. Living under the circumstances where you find yourself being the breadwinner of the family and everyone is looking up to you. Nokuthula Ntini, 35, lives in a shack at Diepsloot and got pregnant at the age of 16 but she didn’t let that get in the way of her dreams. .<<<Read more>>> By: Sibonginkosi Mhlauli |
Boitumelo projects: escaping the vicious lifestyle of Hillbrow The streets of Hillbrow has forever been associated with high rate of crime, violence and overpopulated with poverty. It is the home of the homeless, with drug dealers operating their business within the area they have made it impossible for addicts to escape the vicious cycle. with that all being said there’s still hope to restore and restructure its conditions. Foundations like the Boitumelo projects brings hope and transformation to one’s sense of pride, it operates on the intersection between arts Education, skills development and contemporary art production. This program allows young people and adults to find economic opportunities develop skills and social support in the city. By: Nthabiseng Shai |
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