A Woman’s Journey from Eye Pain to Diagnosis
A woman initially attributing her eye pain to excessive screen time has shared her experience of discovering it was actually a sign of a serious illness. Amanda Hahn, 29, from New York, recognized subtle hints over the years that something was amiss, such as memory lapses and sudden numbness, but she often dismissed them.
The first significant symptom that made her take notice was a sharp pain in her eye whenever she looked down and to the side. However, it didn’t strike her as something serious at the time.
“I thought it was just my job causing it,” she mentioned in a conversation. Working in digital marketing meant she spent long hours in front of a computer. When not working, she was glued to her phone. It felt reasonable to blame it all on eye strain.
Amanda admitted that she tended to overlook minor health issues, thinking, “Oh, it’s nothing.” The notion that it could be something grave didn’t even cross her mind.
But when her vision began to alter in 2019, she finally felt compelled to consult a doctor.
“Things looked blurry, colors seemed off, and my eye just didn’t feel right,” she explained. “I knew it wasn’t just screen fatigue anymore. That’s when I went to the eye doctor – everything escalated quickly from there.”
After an examination, her eye doctor referred her to the ER for an MRI, and soon, she received a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS).
“I was completely in shock. My parents were out of the country, and I had spent the whole day waiting in the ER for my MRI and the results,” she recalled. When a nurse entered with a pamphlet and stated, “This is what your life will look like in 10 years,” Amanda initially struggled to believe it. With her mother also having MS, she felt confused—how could this happen to her too?
She sought additional doctors’ opinions to confirm her diagnosis. MS is a chronic autoimmune disorder that impacts the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves.
Fast forward to now, six years later, Amanda has adjusted to living with the condition. “Every day, I remind myself that MS is part of my life, but it doesn’t define my life,” she shared.
“There are tough days, of course, but I concentrate on what I can do and what boosts my mood, like staying active and connecting with others.” She has come to understand that life can shift unexpectedly. “You have to live fully and pursue happiness. That mindset helps me remain grounded.”
Amanda reflected on her pre-diagnosis lifestyle, admitting she wasn’t in great shape—late nights, poor food choices, and little activity during college. However, this diagnosis has significantly altered her perspective on health.
“I try to walk daily, reduce processed foods, and maintain a low-carb diet. I also avoid stressing about things beyond my control,” she explained. Cutting out toxic relationships has been essential for her, allowing her to focus on what truly matters.
Today, Amanda feels empowered by her treatment and lifestyle changes. She often shares her MS journey on social media, receiving encouraging messages from those who feel less isolated because of her story.
“That support gives me the motivation to keep going,” she said enthusiastically. Ultimately, she hopes her experience serves as a reminder that “different” can still be “beautiful.”
“Having MS doesn’t mean life is over; it may just look a bit different,” she concluded. “Different isn’t bad. It can still be really beautiful. It’s okay to feel scared, but it is possible to lead a fulfilling life. Most importantly, I want to help shatter the stigma that comes with having a disease. You can still live a ‘normal’ life; you just create your own version of it.”
