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"From Awkward Laughs to Inked Paths: Writing Without Limits"
Djinni Whispers Blog
“From Awkward Laughs to Inked Paths: Writing Without Limits”
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- Do Disabled People Get Labeled As “Creeps” More Frequently Than Non-Disabled People?
- Exploring Neurodiversity in TV: Authentic Representations and Ongoing Challenges
- 10 Famous Authors with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Neurodivergence You Should Know About
- 10 Essential Tips for Thriving in the Summer Heat with Disabilities
- Understanding Neurodiversity: What Psychotherapists Need to Know
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What are Ehlers-Danlos eyes?
If you have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome or suspect you do, you might have heard odd comments about your eyes in your life. Or if someone you know has it, you might have noticed something off about their eyes, something different, but you can’t quite put your finger on what it is. Ehlers Danlos eyes seem a bit… extra. Not as in “flamboyant party kid” extra, but more along the lines of “quirky” extra.
So, what are Ehlers-Danlos eyes exactly”? Let’s look this over, pun intended.
The appearance of Ehlers Danlos eyes
Firstly, Ehlers-Danlos’s eyes can look slightly different from what the average person might consider to be typical. Many people with connective tissue disorders, specifically EDS, have larger, more expressive eyes that can, in some cases, make them seem perpetually surprised or intrigued. This is not just a genetic lottery win for looking excited about life. It’s typically due to the connective tissues around the eyes having more elasticity, thanks to the hallmark collagen issues found in EDS.
You might also notice that people with EDS have thin, translucent eyelids. This can make the blood vessels stand out more and be more visible, giving the eyelids a bluish or ashy tint—think perpetual eye shadow. Some people describe it as a delicate, ethereal look. Others might call it a built-in Halloween costume year-round.
Why do Ehlers-Danlos eyes look so different?
The key difference in appearance comes down to the same culprit as most EDS-related symptoms: collagen defects. Collagen is a crucial protein structure in the body that provides framework and strength to connective tissues. In EDS, the collagen is like a poorly assembled IKEA bookshelf -it just
has no structural integrity. This affects everything from skin to ligaments to organs and you guessed it, the eyes.
Because of this funky collagen, the skin around the eyes is much more elastic and prone to wrinkling and sagging. It can also mean that the eyeball itself is more mobile within the sockets, giving rise to the wide-eyed, surprised look. One potential boon is – the range of vision.
Structural and Functional Changes
The structure changes in EDS eyes doesn’t stop at the surface appearances. People with EDS can experience a variety of functional issues. This can include:
- Keratoconus: This is where the cornea, which is typically round, starts to thin and bludge into a cone-type shape. Imagine trying to see through the bottom of a wine glass. Fun huh? Let me grab the Dramamine.
- Myopia(nearsightedness): EDS’ers have a higher than average rate of myopia. So, if you squint to see the TV, you aren’t alone. My vision got so much worse with my pregnancy. Check out that info (HERE).
- Lens Discoloration: The lenses of the eye can be more prone to color changes due to loose connective tissues. It’s kind of like having a camera lens that won’t click into place; it makes finding focus difficult.
- Dry Eyes: Dry eyes can be an ongoing and annoying problem because of issues with the tear ducts. I did not even realize I had dry eyes until I used drops for allergies. I thought everyone’s eyes felt like that.
What can make them Worsen?
EDS eyes can worsen over time due to a whole variety of factors:
- Age: Just like the rest of the world, eyes with EDS do not age well. The already shoddy collagen will deteriorate further.
- Strain: Excessive eye straining from things like too much screen time can make your issues worse
- Injuries: Due to the tissue fragility, injuries to the eyes can be much more common and take so much longer to heal
Is EDS Detrimental to Sight over time?
Is EDS going to rob you of your vision? Not necessarily, but it can create some long-term additional challenges you might not otherwise have had. The structural issues can lead to vision problems that progress, meaning they get worse, especially if the problems are not treated and managed properly. Regular check-ups with an ophthalmologist can be crucial to catching and addressing issues early.
Risk and Potential
Some potential risks can include:
- Retinal Detachment: Due to the fragile connective tissues, there’s a much higher risk of retinal detachment, which is a serious condition that requires emergency attention.
- Glaucoma and Cataracts: These can also occur more frequently in people with EDS.
- Vision IMpairment: While not everyone with Ehlers-Danlos will experience severe vision problems, it is something to be mindful of, particularly as we age.
Should you worry?
Well…maybe. It’s important that we are vigilant and attentive to issues that arise but not paranoid. The key is regular maintenance and monitoring of issues to be proactive in protecting our vision. Wearing sunglasses to protect from UV rays, taking breaks during screen time, and using lubricating eye drops can all be helpful.
In Conclusion
So, there you have it. Ehlers Danlos eyes in all their glory. They may come with their own set of challenges and expenses, but with proper care and attention, they don’t have to be a cause of worry. Plus, think of the benefits: you will never need to fake that wide-eyed look of amazement.
- Do Disabled People Get Labeled As “Creeps” More Frequently Than Non-Disabled People?
- Exploring Neurodiversity in TV: Authentic Representations and Ongoing Challenges
- 10 Famous Authors with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Neurodivergence You Should Know About
- 10 Essential Tips for Thriving in the Summer Heat with Disabilities
- Understanding Neurodiversity: What Psychotherapists Need to Know
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