American-based Tanzanian songstress Vanessa Mdee revealed that her eye condition began in 2015 while she was in Kenya for a performance with Nigerian singer Burna Boy. She experienced excruciating pain in her left eye and was diagnosed with retinal detachment.
Despite undergoing an emergency procedure, Vanessa Mdee lost her eyesight in her left eye about ten days later. The American-based Tanzanian songstress recently shared her deeply personal struggle, which has been ongoing for some time. The mother of two caused concern among her fans when she was seen wearing an eye patch in her videos and photos.
Initially, Vanessa remained silent about her condition, but numerous inquiries from her fans eventually prompted her to reveal the truth.
Genesis Of Vanessa Mdee's Eye Problem
Vanessa Mdee took to her YouTube channel, Vee and Roo, on July 7 to discuss the onset of her eye condition. She recounted a 2015 experience when she traveled to Nairobi, Kenya, for Coke Studio with Burna Boy.
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"In 2015, I went to Nairobi, Kenya for Coke Studio with Burna Boy, and we were performing. It was a lot of fun," Vanessa began.
"I landed in Nairobi on Sunday and went to sleep. On Monday morning, I woke up with excruciating pain in my left eye. I couldn't understand what it was. I shared with my team but didn’t want to make a big deal out of it," she said.
As the week progressed, the pain in Vanessa's eye worsened. Seeking medical attention, she was diagnosed with retinal detachment.
"The pain got crazier as the week went on. I went to see a specialist, and he said I had experienced retinal detachment. I didn't understand it back then, but over time I have become more informed," she explained.
Despite undergoing an emergency procedure, Vanessa lost her eyesight in her left eye about ten days later.
"The pain got crazier as the week went on... I went to see a specialist and he said I had experienced retinal detachment. I didnt understand it back then but over time I have become more informed. I was losing my eyesight day by day...
"We went into some emergency procedure and the doctor did the best he could but we couldn't save my eyesight. So I ended up losing my eyesight about 10 days after. For someone born with two seeing eyes, it was quite a blow," she said.
Vanessa decided to share her story as a testimony and to address the numerous speculations about her condition on social media. She expressed her gratitude for the support she received during this challenging time.
"It was shocking. It still is. All the specialists I see don't even understand how or why it happened," she said adding, "I thank God because he covered me in a way that I kept moving."
Moving to the U.S. presented new challenges for Vanessa, including difficulties with driving. She took a break from social media for about two to three years to focus on her mental health.
"Just before having Seven, I posted a picture on my socials, and honestly, I started seeing the picture circulate. I didn’t understand what was going on. Then I realised they were talking about my eye...and it made me a little bit insecure," Vanessa admitted.
Vanessa's eye progress
Vanessa also spoke about the positive impact of reconstructive surgery and the support she received from her husband.
"Thank God for reconstructive surgery and science. I had eye muscle surgery that allowed my eyeballs to get back in place... It was super successful, and I thank God," she shared.
"Not at a hundred percent yet. My eyesight is not yet back, but we are definitely getting there."
She expressed her gratitude for her husband, who has been a constant source of support and encouragement. "I have the most supportive husband in the world because he was always complimenting me. He's just the best," Vanessa said.
