Home / Health / Born with 'Vampire Eyes', Woman Thrives
Born with 'Vampire Eyes', Woman Thrives
20 Oct
Summary
- Woman born with rare congenital cataracts and glaucoma.
- Her eyes are extremely sensitive to bright light.
- She launched a successful stationery brand.
Rebecca Yates, 35, was born with a rare combination of congenital cataracts and childhood glaucoma, conditions that cause extreme sensitivity to light, earning her the nickname 'vampire eyes.' These conditions, affecting approximately 3 in 10,000 and 1 in 10,000 newborns in the UK respectively, are uncommon when occurring together. Early interventions included multiple surgeries starting from infancy, allowing her to maintain partial vision.
Despite initial concerns that she might not attend mainstream school or live independently, Yates navigated educational challenges, often sitting at the front of classrooms due to vision difficulties. She also faced social struggles due to her high-prescription glasses. A significant life impact was her inability to drive, particularly challenging given her rural upbringing in North Yorkshire.
After a career in politics and the technology/energy sector, Yates reignited her passion for art in 2016. Journaling helped her process her experiences, leading to the launch of her stationery brand, Rebecca Yates Designs, in 2019. She was recognized with an invitation to Downing Street, demonstrating her entrepreneurial success despite facing numerous rejections.
