Izabella Myers was born with her left eye still developing — in fact, without a functioning eyeball on that side. To help her facial bones grow properly, doctors fitted her with a series of eye socket expanders.

Every two weeks, specialists replace the conformer with a slightly larger one. This gradual process keeps the orbit open and supports balanced development of her face while she is still young. The plan is that she will eventually receive a custom prosthetic eye that matches her natural one as closely as possible.

Her mother has described the journey as bittersweet. While the expanders and future prosthetic are important for Izabella’s long-term facial symmetry and health, she sometimes wishes her daughter could make that choice herself when she is older. In her eyes, Izabella is already perfectly beautiful just as she is.

The little girl’s story highlights both the medical care available for children born with anophthalmia or severe microphthalmia and the deep love of a parent who sees far beyond any physical difference.

Sources

• Daily Mail: “Baby girl born without eyeball has her socket stretched” (August 2016)
• Related coverage of Izabella Myers’ treatment with orbital expanders in Pennsylvania
• Family statements shared through media and social posts about the bittersweet nature of preparing for a prosthetic eye