What is congenital ptosis, the condition Sabrina Burlando has?

Congenital ptosis is a genetic condition present at birth where the muscle controlling eyelid movement is underdeveloped, preventing normal blinking.

How did Sabrina Burlando overcome bullying related to her eyes?

She learned to embrace her uniqueness, realizing inner character is more important than appearance and controlling her own self-perception.

Where is Sabrina Burlando from and how is she raising awareness?

Sabrina Burlando is from Surprise, Arizona, and she is raising awareness by sharing her story on TikTok, where her videos have gone viral.

Home / Lifestyle / Born Without Blinking: Arizona Teen Overcomes Bullying

Born Without Blinking: Arizona Teen Overcomes Bullying

20 Jan

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Summary

A young woman was born with congenital ptosis, unable to blink.
Surgery at age three corrected blinking using eyebrow muscles.
She transformed bullying into self-acceptance and online advocacy.

Born Without Blinking: Arizona Teen Overcomes Bullying

Sabrina Burlando, a 19-year-old from Surprise, Arizona, was born with congenital ptosis, a genetic condition meaning she could not blink. She inherited this from her father, who also has the condition.

Surgery at age three granted her the ability to blink using her eyebrow muscles. However, this led to years of bullying and self-consciousness due to her eyes appearing smaller than average.

Initially feeling isolated and insecure, Burlando struggled with self-worth, particularly influenced by social media beauty standards. She feared being judged solely on her appearance.