At just 21 years old, Tia-Leigh Streamer has had to face a reality few could imagine — gluing or taping her eyes open just to see.

Two years ago, the young woman from Wimborne Minster, Dorset (England) was diagnosed with blepharospasm, a rare neurological disorder that causes involuntary spasms of the eyelids. In severe cases like hers, the spasms result in her eyelids staying tightly shut — leaving her functionally blind, even though her eyesight itself is perfectly healthy.

“I have the same level of sight as a visually impaired person, but I’ve got nothing wrong with my actual vision,” Streamer explained.

Blepharospasm can arise from a mix of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors, and while it sometimes disappears on its own, there is no known cure. Stress and genetic predisposition are believed to play a role.

For Streamer, the ordeal began in May 2023, when she woke up with one drooping eyelid and dismissed it as hay fever. Months later, in December, she suddenly found herself unable to open either eye — leading to her official diagnosis.

Doctors prescribed botox injections to weaken the muscles around her eyes and keep them from clamping shut. But the relief is short-lived:

“I have them every eight to ten weeks, but I only get three to five weeks where it actually takes effect,” she said. “The rest of the time I physically have to hold my eyelids open to see.”

When the botox wears off, her only options are gluing or taping her eyelids open — a painful process that prevents her from blinking and has even left her with bruises. Doctors warn prolonged use could damage her eyes and risk permanent vision loss.

The condition has also robbed her of independence. Tasks as simple as eating require help:

“It’s like I’ve gone back to being a child again. I can’t use a knife and fork because I can’t see what I’m doing.”

Despite the daily struggles, Streamer is still working with her doctors to adjust the botox treatments in hopes of finding longer-lasting relief.

“It’s about hoping he can find a better balance so the effects last longer,” she said.

For now, every day is a battle — but also a reminder of her resilience in facing life with a condition most have never even heard of.

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