Navigating the ordinary can present extraordinary challenges for those living with strabismus—a condition that often goes unnoticed but profoundly shapes daily experiences. Photographer Vanessa Vettorello’s evocative project, “Wandering Star,” offers a poignant exploration of double vision, revealing the intricate relationship between this misunderstood condition and personal identity.
The Reality of Double Vision
Imagine a world where the simplest tasks become Herculean feats. For individuals grappling with diplopia, or double vision, the act of pouring a glass of water can become an exercise in concentration. Strabismus, characterised by misaligned eyes, can lead to a constant or intermittent struggle between seeing one image and two. This misalignment affects around 4% of the global population, yet it remains shrouded in misunderstanding and stigma.
Vettorello’s project delves into the lives of those affected, drawing on personal narratives and visual storytelling to illuminate the daily realities of living with strabismus. The condition can begin in childhood, yet many young children learn to cope by suppressing one of the images, a phenomenon known as suppression. However, for some, like Vettorello herself, the struggle persists, creating a distorted lens through which they view the world.
Personal Stories of Adaptation and Acceptance
Reflecting on her own journey, Vettorello recalls the difficulties she faced as a child. At the tender age of three, she was diagnosed with strabismus, resulting in a blurred and doubled vision. Despite undergoing successful surgery at twelve, the memories lingered, prompting her to question how her vision affected her performance in sports, academics, and social interactions.
The experiences of others featured in “Wandering Star” resonate just as deeply. Giulia, a young girl who wears bifocals to correct her accommodative strabismus, faced challenges from unkind classmates. Yet, in a tender moment with her mother, she marvelled at the clarity with which she could finally see the moon—a stark reminder of how transformative proper vision can be.
The stories are not just about the struggles; they encapsulate resilience and growth. Each narrative serves as a testament to the complexities of identity shaped by visual experiences. The project poignantly weaves together these real-life accounts, allowing for a richer understanding of how strabismus influences both perception and social interactions.
Medical Insights and Changing Perceptions
The journey to diagnosis can often be fraught with challenges. For young Vittoria, a family friend noted an inward turn of her eye, leading to a whirlwind of medical appointments that culminated in a diagnosis of latent strabismus. As her parents reflected on past signs—reading difficulties, frequent eye rubbing, and the awkwardness of posing for photographs—they recognised the broader implications of her condition.
This project does not merely seek to highlight the medical aspects of strabismus; it challenges societal perceptions surrounding it. By juxtaposing personal stories with medical insights, Vettorello aims to dismantle the stigma that often accompanies visual differences. The title “Wandering Star” references a symbol from binocular vision tests, representing the unseen struggles faced by those without binocular vision—a metaphor for the broader societal blindness towards the complexities of such conditions.
A Call for Awareness and Understanding
The narratives encapsulated within “Wandering Star” are a call to action for greater awareness and understanding of strabismus. Ayda, another young participant, wears glasses to correct her accommodative strabismus and embraces her uniqueness. For her, glasses are not a burden but a badge of individuality, highlighting the importance of fostering acceptance and understanding among peers.
By sharing these stories, Vettorello aims to ignite conversations about the often-overlooked challenges faced by those with visual impairments. The project serves as both an artistic endeavour and a social commentary, bridging the gap between medical knowledge and personal experience.
Why it Matters
“Wandering Star” illuminates the often-invisible struggles associated with strabismus, encouraging dialogue and empathy around visual impairments. By shedding light on the profound impact of double vision on identity and daily life, Vettorello’s work not only raises awareness but also fosters a sense of community among those who share similar experiences. In a world that frequently overlooks the nuances of physical differences, this project stands as a vital reminder of the importance of understanding and acceptance, urging society to embrace the beauty of diversity in all its forms.