Toddler Girl's Rare Genetic Disorder Gives Her Doll-Like Eyes

Feb 05, 2019 by apost team

Mehlani Dickerson is nearly two years old, her beautiful and big eyes are the first thing that strikes you about this princess. Mehlani was born with a rare genetic condition referred to as Axenfeld-Rieger. Sadly, this condition could make her blind sometime in future.

The little princess draws lots of attention wherever she goes with strangers mesmerized by her eyes. The beauty about it all is that she is unaware of her condition, and she only smiles when people stop to stare at her. Mehlani's mother (Katrina) has a tough job of ensuring that her daughter never loses sight of the fact that she is unique and what makes her different makes her beautiful

The girl's condition was not apparent when she was born. To everyone, she was this adorable princess with enchanting eyes. When Mehlani was a few days old, she was diagnosed with the condition. Children who suffer from Axenfeld-Rieger do not have an iris. Some may have a small one.

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In some cases, the pupil may be positioned away from the center. Some children also exhibit multiple pupils. Given that light enters through the pupil, children with this disorder are generally sensitive to light. In most cases, Mehlani has to put on shades, and she rocks them like the real princess that she is.

In addition to this rare condition, Mehlani also has glaucoma. Despite having this bundle of joy, Katrina has had to deal with a lot due to her daughter's condition. When she was barely five months old, Mehlani had to undergo surgery.

Luckily for her, the surgery has helped her maintain her eyesight. Without it, the optic nerves would have suffered damage beyond repair. The doctors implanted an artificial drainage canal that has contributed to sustaining her eye pressure.

Like any protective mother, Katrina wonders what lies ahead for her beautiful daughter. She worries what will happen the day Mehlani realizes she is different. She also carries the burden of how other kids will treat her at school.

In spite of this, Katrina has raised Mehlani to be a cheerful and courteous child. Whenever people comment about her eyes and tell her that she is beautiful, she reminds her to smile and say thank you.

Pictures of Mehlani went viral, and Katrina was encouraged to learn that other parents have kids with the same condition. Her only prayer is that Mehlani will always remember that she is beautiful.

Isn't Mehlani just the cutest? Let us know if you have ever heard of this rare genetic disorder in the comments and be sure to spread the word about Mehlani's story!