A woman has shared her experience with a rare facial condition that causes her eye to protrude when she chews, but she has opted not to undergo surgery to correct it. Marion Karawia, aged 35, first displayed signs of the condition at the age of five, when her parents noticed her eye bulging while eating.
After a visit to the doctor, Marion was diagnosed with Marcus Gunn Syndrome (MGS), a condition where movements of her jaw trigger her left eyelid to elevate due to nerve rewiring. Dealing with this condition during her upbringing impacted Marion’s confidence, especially when interacting with peers at school or going on dates.
Despite being offered surgery to address the issue, Marion decided against it, expressing her affection for her uniqueness and choosing not to alter her appearance. Marion, based in Los Angeles, shared, “As a teenage girl, it was challenging to cope with. When I move my jaw, it appears as though my eye is bulging, but it is simply my eyelid moving dramatically.”
Reflecting on her journey, Marion highlighted the struggles she faced in her teenage and early adult years, which significantly affected her self-esteem. She mentioned that MGS is a congenital condition she was born with, emphasizing the prolonged time it took for her to accept it.
Marion’s social life, particularly dating experiences, was also impacted by the condition. She recalled altering her behavior while dining with potential partners to minimize the visibility of her eye movement, resulting in added stress and reduced enjoyment.
Now happily married to her husband, Karim, Marion shared how her partner never paid much attention to her syndrome. Through her social media platform marionsworldd, Marion aims to raise awareness about MGS, inspire confidence in others dealing with similar conditions, and promote self-acceptance.
She concluded, “I’m sharing my story to support those who have felt bullied, embarrassed, or insecure due to MGS or any physical condition. You are seen, special, and loved. Embracing my MGS has been empowering, and it will always be a part of who I am.”
