Optic Nerve Hypoplasia Support Group
Optic nerve hypoplasia is a medical condition that results in underdevelopment of the optic nerves. Optic nerve hypoplasia can appear in one or both eyes, causing anywhere from a mild to serious visual impairment in the form of decreased visual acuity and visual fields.
Hello I am a nineteen year old female. I have ONH in both eyes. I also have nystagmus. I don't see my eyes shake, but everyone else gets to. I am constantly blinking. Lately I have been noticing just how bad my vision really is.
I have a lot of anxiety and depression, and I have a feeling that ONH is to blame for a good portion of it. If I spend time thinking or talking about my vision I am reduced to tears. It has aided in me having very poor self esteem. I feel like I'm discriminated against by potential friends, love interests, and employers. In fact, I'm feeling like my life has become meaningless.
Is there even a point in continuing life this way? How do you cope?
I have a lot of anxiety and depression, and I have a feeling that ONH is to blame for a good portion of it. If I spend time thinking or talking about my vision I am reduced to tears. It has aided in me having very poor self esteem. I feel like I'm discriminated against by potential friends, love interests, and employers. In fact, I'm feeling like my life has become meaningless.
Is there even a point in continuing life this way? How do you cope?
My name is Melyssa and I'm 25 and my son is 15 months old and he was diagnosed with ONH at about 5-6 months. I'm not sure if I will be any help to you as to explain how to cope, but remember everybody has their burdens/struggles to bare. I have astigmatism in both my eyes and I have some crazy swelling in my legs that has lasted about 4 years and no Dr. (that I have seen) knows what it is. Everyone has things that make them feel self conscious, you are not alone in that. Thats actually the beauty in life we are all imperfectly perfect. I know some days maybe harder than others but believe me your life is worth living. What do you enjoy doing? What are you good at? Focus your time on the things that make you happy, my son is too young to understand now but thats some of the best advice I can give him right now. If its not too hard to talk about Id love for us to be able to help eachother out. If you ever need someone to talk to. Im just a comment away. I'd love to know how I can better assist my son in his growth and development.
Stay strong and keep your head up!