Social media handles: @gina_dacosta84

Where are you from?

South Africa

Where do you live now?

Johannesburg, South Africa

Tell us a little about yourself:

38 yr old, married with 2 kiddies

What’s your eye story?

On October 2, 2022, I drove home from the park with my family and dogs when we had an accident. A pedestrian ran in front of the car unexpectedly and I swerved not to hit him. We drove straight into a light post. The airbags deployed and hit me with such force that the globe in my left eye ruptured. As a result, I was left with no light perception. I made the decision within a week to remove the eye because I could see that it was dying. I then needed reconstructive surgery to repair the wall and floor of my cheek, which were also broken.

What has been the most challenging thing mentally?

Why did this happen to me? This question has gone through my head numerous times. I mean losing an eye was the last thing I ever even imagined could happen to anyone, let alone me! Worrying about my job and not knowing at that stage whether I would be able to function as I had before- sitting behind a PC daily.

What has been the most challenging thing physically?

I don’t feel I look the same as I did before. Albeit my surgeries went well, and my prosthesis is great, I often wonder if I’m looking squint. Although my “eye” moves well, it’s not the same as a real eye. My brain has definitely adjusted to having one eye, however, I don’t think the depth perception will get any better. I now wear glasses just to hide my “lazy eye” somewhat.

Where are you now in your recovery?

My husband, kids, and dogs were in that car! Thank god nothing happened to them! My biggest source of strength and relief is knowing what could have happened. Therefore, in the bigger scheme of things, yes I lost an eye, but at least I didn’t lose the most important things in my life.

What piece of advice would you give to someone going through their eye impairment journey?

Find your strengths and thrive on them! Look at the positives more than the negatives!

Who is your eye surgeon and ocularist?

Eye surgeons were Dr. Freed and Dr. Smith from Visusense in Johannesburg, SA. Prof. G Mclaren and Donald Gordon in Johannesburg, SA. Ocularist J. Cieslik from the Artificial Eye Centre in Johannesburg, SA

How did you find EYEHESIVE?

Instagram