Woman Chronicles Life-Altering Journey After Sudden Blindness

A young woman has shared her harrowing experience of losing her vision after a lifetime of battling eye complications. McEwen Baker, 26, faced her greatest fear on March 17, 2023, when she woke up to discover she had gone completely blind in her left eye.

Baker’s eye problems began at the tender age of 2 when she was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. This autoimmune disease, which can lead to inflammation in the eyes, prompted her mother to seek specialized care after noticing swelling in Baker’s knee. Following a series of appointments, they traveled from Kentucky to Maryland to consult with experts at The Wilmer Eye Institute. Baker described this visit as pivotal, stating, “They told my mom that, if I had come in any later, I would have gone blind.”

Her diagnosis of uveitis, a serious inflammatory eye condition, marked the beginning of numerous health challenges. By age 6, Baker developed glaucoma, which damaged her optic nerve and required frequent hospital visits for procedures to manage eye pressure. She recalls a childhood spent explaining her condition to classmates as her eyes became red and inflamed.

Over her lifetime, Baker has undergone a staggering 24 eye procedures. A significant setback occurred when she was 16, resulting from an accidental injury that caused a full globe rupture in her right eye. Emergency surgery at the University of Kentucky initially repaired the damage, but the trauma ultimately led to legal blindness in that eye by 2022.

Baker’s struggles did not end there. Complications arose from shunts in her eyes becoming clogged, along with failed cornea transplants and other health issues. “While all these treatments were crucial for managing my conditions, their combined effects have led to the gradual breakdown of my corneas,” she explained.

Despite adjusting to her limited vision, Baker faced a devastating blow when she experienced complete vision loss in her left eye. She initially thought a retinal detachment was to blame but later learned that her left eye’s cornea was deteriorating similarly to her right. “It was a devastating realization, and I cycled between devastation and denial for a while,” she said.

Her vision has since become unpredictable, with days where she experiences complete blindness. Baker has had to wake up earlier to allow her eyes time to “warm up” before she can begin her day. In August 2025, she faced multiple days without vision, which has made social interactions and daily activities challenging.

As she sought to share her journey, Baker turned to TikTok, creating a video that unexpectedly resonated with many, accumulating over 44,800 views and more than 3,500 likes. “I have spent so many years hiding myself and staying silent, but I don’t want to live that way anymore,” Baker stated. The positive response has helped her connect with others facing similar challenges.

Baker encourages others to share their stories, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability. “Share your story because someone out there might need to hear it as much as you need them to listen,” she said. Her message is clear: there is still hope and connection in the world, even amid personal struggles.

Baker’s experience serves as a powerful reminder of resilience, the importance of seeking help, and the strength found in community and shared experiences.