Hello All,

Just to introduce myself - I've no sight in my left eye since birth (31 years ago!) and only now have I looked up the 'condition' on the web. It has been very therapeutic to read the message board, I can relate so many comments / experiences to myself. Wish I had found this site a lot earlier in life!

I guess it's a little different when you are a mono from birth, all I can say is that I have been able to lead a relatively normal life. Contact sports were out from the start. Running, swimming, cycling no problem. Small ball sports - tennis, golf, snooker - are a little difficult either due to the eye or lack of talent. I had no problem getting a drivers licence in Ireland. Pouring things can still sometimes catch you out or when trying to catch something thrown at you e.g. keys.

For me the hardest part has (and still is to some extent) is the cosmetic (vanity!) side of things. I find that I am very conscious of my eye, especially meeting new people either through work or socially. My left eye is slightly off centre and tends to wobble so I find myself squinting quiet a lot. Unfortunately Ireland doesn't have the weather to wear sunglasses for much of the year! All in all I guess that it is something that makes you who you are.

Take care,
mono

Hi mono

I too am blind in my left eye from birth. My body self adjusted to it growing up whereby my head is at a slight angle by nature, centering my eye for a even spread of vision 77% of normal vision.

Personally i don't find the time to worry about what others think of my eye, i am who i am and anyone who thinks otherwise is not worth knowing. I do however understand questions children may ask such as why is your eye funny and explain the truth in a child friendly way and always ending with the same four words.

"No one is perfect"

Well maybe Jennifer Hawkins

Cheers

Hi Mono; and another welcome from Australia (I'm ex N.Ireland) been here 26 years; I'm glad life worked out so well for you; you seem positive and well grounded; glad you found us; enjoy reading and chatting; Know what u mean though about sunglasses and Ireland; those 2 words should never appear in the one sentence; Flipperman; hubby will fight u for ""his Jen"" as he refers to the lovely Miss Hawkins; Still an Elle fan myself; CHEERS vERA