I’m Becky, and since I was three, I’ve been facing challenges with my eye. A long list of diagnoses followed me from childhood into adulthood, with multiple operations along the way. By 2019 aged 28, after everything else had been tried and failed, the only option left was to remove my right eye.
Losing my eye was one of the most profound experiences of my life. It impacted me physically, emotionally, and socially. In a world that often focuses so much on appearance, my self-esteem took a major hit. I was terrified of how people would see me, and it led me to isolate myself. I became agoraphobic, avoiding the world because I feared judgement.
But over time, I began to realise something important – representation really does matter. While looking for female role models who had gone through something similar to me, I realised there was hardly any visibility, and even less support.
Over the years, I’ve realised that embracing this new version of myself is a part of healing.
The stories I found about living with one eye were mainly told by men. While their experiences were powerful, they didn’t always reflect the unique challenges I faced as a woman. On top of this, I struggled to find a prosthetic that was comfortable and did not cause further issues, which only amplified my feeling of not fitting in.
I didn’t feel “normal,” and it made my fears about how society would perceive me even worse. The lack of visibility was incredibly isolating, and although I had the support of family and friends, I felt very alone during this time.
I want to show others that losing an eye doesn’t mean losing who you are, your beauty, or your worth. I want to be the person I needed in 2019.
Becky and her son
The internet and society can be cruel to people who look different. I’ve received horrible messages telling me that I should stay at home because I’m “too ugly”. One time, a mother even told me that my face was scaring her child. These words hit deep, reinforcing the fear that I would never be accepted.
However, instead of letting them define me, I chose to stand up, speak out, and educate others. I’ve faced comments, mockery and judgment from strangers who think it’s okay to ridicule someone based on their appearance, but I won’t let that stop me. My worth isn’t defined by how I look.
Since losing my eye, I’ve learned so much about myself. In the beginning, I was terrified and felt like I had to hide my face, but over the years, I’ve realised that embracing this new version of myself is a part of healing. It’s still a journey, there are days when the challenges feel heavy and the insecurity creeps in, but I’ve learned that it does get easier. Each day I face the world with more confidence. I’ve found strength in showing up, even on the hardest days.
The more we share our stories, the more we normalise difference and redefine beauty and strength in all their forms.
By sharing my story, I hope to empower others who have lost an eye, whether they can wear a prosthetic or not. Adjusting to this new reality is tough, but I want others facing similar struggles to know that they’re not alone. No matter what their journey looks like, they are whole, and they deserve to be seen. Beauty standards can be restrictive, but true beauty comes from confidence, perseverance, and the courage to embrace who you are …scars included!
I also want to challenge the narrative around disability and difference. Just because I look different, it doesn’t change who I am. I’m still the same person, with the same dreams, talents, and ambitions. Losing my eye hasn’t taken anything away from me; if anything, it’s made me stronger, more empathetic, and more determined to support others going through similar experiences.
Representation and support matter for anyone living with one eye. The more we share our stories, the more we normalise difference and redefine beauty and strength in all their forms. By speaking up, I hope to inspire others to do the same and remind anyone on this journey that they are never alone. No one should feel invisible or less-than because of something they can’t control. If we stand together, support one another, and challenge ignorance, we can create a world where everyone feels valued, respected, and seen.
