Wandering Star: A Photo Essay on Living with Double Vision
Photographer Vanessa Vettorello presents 'Wandering Star,' a compelling photo essay exploring diplopia (double vision) and strabismus, conditions that affect approximately 4% of the global population. Drawing from her personal experience of developing strabismus at age three and undergoing corrective surgery at twelve, Vettorello investigates how this visual divergence impacts daily life, identity, and self-perception. The project highlights the often-overlooked struggles faced by those with eye muscle misalignment, such as difficulties in judging distance, performing simple tasks like pouring water, or participating in sports. Through a blend of reportage, reconstructed memories, and portraits of other individuals living with the condition, including subjects like Chiara and Giulia, the essay sheds light on the mental strain and social challenges associated with double vision. It challenges the common misconception that children always suppress double images, revealing the complex reality for those who do not. By sharing these intimate stories, Vettorello aims to foster greater understanding and open discussion about a medical condition that is rarely addressed openly, illustrating the profound connection between physical vision and the construction of personal identity.
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Wandering Star: A Photo Essay on Living with Double Vision
Photographer Vanessa Vettorello presents 'Wandering Star,' a compelling photo essay exploring diplopia (double vision) and strabismus, conditions that affect approximately 4% of the global population. Drawing from her personal experience of developing strabismus at age three and undergoing corrective surgery at twelve, Vettorello investigates how this visual divergence impacts daily life, identity, and self-perception. The project highlights the often-overlooked struggles faced by those with eye muscle misalignment, such as difficulties in judging distance, performing simple tasks like pouring water, or participating in sports. Through a blend of reportage, reconstructed memories, and portraits of other individuals living with the condition, including subjects like Chiara and Giulia, the essay sheds light on the mental strain and social challenges associated with double vision. It challenges the common misconception that children always suppress double images, revealing the complex reality for those who do not. By sharing these intimate stories, Vettorello aims to foster greater understanding and open discussion about a medical condition that is rarely addressed openly, illustrating the profound connection between physical vision and the construction of personal identity.
The Guardian