A woman living with a rare facial condition that causes her eye to bulge dramatically every time she eats has shared her journey to self-acceptance, revealing she turned down surgery to 'fix' it.
Living with Marcus Gunn Syndrome
Marion Karawia, now 35, was just five years old when her parents first noticed the unusual symptom. While eating her dinner, her left eye would appear to bulge outwards. Following a medical consultation, she was diagnosed with Marcus Gunn Syndrome (MGS), a congenital nerve condition.
The syndrome causes an abnormal connection between nerves controlling the jaw and eyelid. For Marion, movements of her jaw trigger her left eyelid to lift significantly, creating the striking appearance of her eye bulging.
A journey from insecurity to empowerment
Marion, originally from Los Angeles, explained that growing up with the visible condition severely impacted her confidence. "As a girl growing up in my teens it was tough to navigate," she said. The syndrome made social situations, particularly dating and making new friends, a source of anxiety.
"I would try to hide it in some way or another or avoid eating," she recalled, describing how she would chew slowly or avoid looking down during meals to minimise the effect. For over 15 years, she struggled to come to terms with being visibly different, stating it affected her mentally as much as physically.
Choosing self-love over surgery
Despite being offered corrective surgery, Marion made the conscious decision not to proceed. She emphasised that the condition causes no pain or vision problems, making the procedure purely cosmetic. Her perspective shifted as she matured.
"I realised that I didn't want to or have to feel the need that I needed to 'fix' myself," Marion stated. "I have grown, I am who I am, and I love it." She now sees her Marcus Gunn Syndrome as a part of what makes her unique.
Her husband, Karim, 34, has been fully supportive, noting he had never seen anything like it but never considered it a significant issue. Marion has since taken to social media, using the platform @marionsworldd, to raise awareness and boost the confidence of others living with MGS or any visible difference.
"You are seen, you are special, and you are loved," she messages her followers. "I love my MGS, it is a part of me and it always will be." Her story stands as a powerful testament to embracing individuality and challenging conventional perceptions of imperfection.
