The story of Luana
I was born in 1999 and diagnosed with aniridia, glaucoma and nystagmus (the latter are frequently occuring secondary diseases of aniridia) shortly after. I underwent surgery for the first time at two months to lower intraocular pressure. Several more followed during the next years until 2008.
In 2010, my visual acuity was assessed and a decrease from 0.7 (right) and 0.2 (left) to 0.05-0.1 (right) and perception of some silhouettes and colours (left) was discovered. I hadn’t noticed the change but this relevation meant I was no longer allowed to do “the cool stuff” like going to school by trottinette. I also faced bullying at school at this point.
In my early teens, a cataract and keratopathy were discovered. Because of possible effects on my intraocular pressure in case of operating either of them, treatment is limited to keeping the pressure under control.
Learning to accept my conditions and their effects on my life was a process. I came to terms with it rather recently, but of course there are still days I’m sad not being able to fully grasp the visual beauty of nature or to ride a bike. But in fact, what bothers me most is society, how much prejudice there still is and how I sometimes feel I have to prove that I can actually do a lot of things and live a normal life. Because I can, if only they let me. I therefore am convinced that raising awareness is key and I think this campaign does this very nicely.
I’m currently studying my BSc in Geography and working part-time at my university. Also, I’m Co-Chief Editor of my student association’s magazine. In my spare time, I love hiking, reading and travelling.
My studies are quite visual. Some people think my choice is quite risky, but I personally am of the opinion that it’s important to do what you really want to and there’s a solution for every problem – we just need to be open-minded enough to see it. We can do anything regardless of our conditions. We can live our lives. And we can be proud of the obstacles we’re overcoming.