90 Day Fiancé: Chidi’s Medical Condition Revealed – Permanent Blindness Amid Rayne Split

Chidi Ikpeamaeze, a prominent figure from 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days, has navigated numerous challenges throughout his life, particularly stemming from his disability. Losing his sight in a tragic accident during his youth had a profound effect on his lifestyle, ultimately leading him to rely heavily on his sister for support. Despite this setback, the alumni from season 7 of 90 Day Fiancé demonstrated resilience by embracing positivity through his family, sports, and strong faith in God. While attending a school for the blind, he forged meaningful connections with his classmates, further enriching his life experience.

In his late 20s, Chidi ventured into the realm of romance, connecting with Rayne Fernandez after accepting her friend request on social media. Attracted by her vivacious and quirky personality, he embarked on a nearly five-year relationship, which included a memorable visit she took to Nigeria. Chidi’s affection for her deepened during this time, as he affectionately referred to Rayne as the most beautiful woman he had ever met. However, his heartache eventually emerged when Rayne displayed verbal abuse toward him, disrespectfully challenging his beliefs and showing a lack of appreciation for his family. She even attempted to coerce him into unwanted sexual advances, which led to the dissolution of their relationship.

Chidi’s Struggle with Glaucoma

Chidi’s Vision Challenges Extend Beyond Cataracts

Chidi’s blindness has posed multifaceted challenges across various dimensions of his life. Diagnosed with glaucoma, a condition characterized by progressive optic nerve damage leading to vision loss, Chidi has encountered significant obstacles.

As outlined by Mayo Clinic, common types of glaucoma include open-angle, acute angle-closure, normal-tension, and pigmentary glaucoma. Symptoms frequently feature blurred vision, headaches, halos around lights, and nausea. For Chidi, elevated intraocular pressure stands as the primary cause of his vision impairment.

Chidi had high hopes of regaining vision akin to those who have successfully undergone cataract surgeries. However, his consultations with a doctor yielded disappointing news. While inquiring about cataracts, he learned there was a very low possibility he had them. The diagnosis confirmed that Chidi was grappling with more serious issues related to his glaucoma, largely fueled by severely elevated pressure in his eyes.

The doctor remarked, “your right eye is 59 and your left eye is 63, whereas normal pressure should be between 11 to 21.”

The Incidents Leading to Chidi’s Blindness

Two Tragic Events Resulted in Vision Loss

Watch Chidi’s story here

Chidi was born with normal vision and enjoyed a fulfilling childhood, complete with sports and friendships. This changed dramatically when he was a teen. One day, while watching a friend climb a tree, an apple fell, striking him in the right eye and causing acute pain. It was only after he realized he could no longer read from the blackboard that he acknowledged the severity of his vision loss.

The deterioration of his eyesight escalated following another tragic accident. One evening, Chidi accidentally fell and struck his other eye against a wooden desk, resulting in significant blood loss that necessitated hospital treatment. Although he survived these harrowing instances, he ultimately lost all vision, leading him into a state of profound depression.

In a moment of vulnerability on the show, Chidi expressed, “I was so devastated. It seemed as if the whole world had come to an end.”

Prospects for Recovery: A Grim Outlook

Medical Experts Doubt Recovery from Blindness

Rayne Fernandez and Chidi in 90 Day Fiancé

During a consultation featured in the show, Chidi learned distressing details about his condition. The doctor explained that the optic nerves responsible for his vision were no longer functioning. Once damaged, these nerves do not regenerate; thus, the possibility of recovering his sight grew increasingly unlikely. Chidi’s situation was further complicated by the elevated eye pressure caused by glaucoma, which poses an acute risk for permanent blindness. In severe cases, removal of his eyes might even be warranted as a last resort.

According to Cleveland Clinic, glaucoma typically leads to irreversible vision loss. While early diagnosis and treatment can mitigate these risks, Chidi’s circumstances are dire. After over 15 years of grappling with advanced stages of glaucoma and very high intraocular pressure, the chances of him regaining his eyesight remain extremely slim.

Support from Chidi’s Sister

Sister Victoria Launches a Fundraising Initiative

In stark contrast to Rayne, Chidi’s sister, Victoria, has demonstrated exceptional support for him throughout the ups and downs of his journey showcased in 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days, Season 7. Despite juggling her own responsibilities as a homemaker and mother, Victoria has been a steadfast pillar of support, aiding Chidi as he navigated the difficulties of his relationship with Rayne. She even welcomed Rayne into her home, exhibiting compassion despite Rayne’s disrespectful behavior.

Victoria’s commitment to her brother underscores her extraordinary role as his older sister, reflecting the deep familial bonds that exist amidst adversity.

90 Day Fiancé: Before The 90 Days airs Sundays at 8 p.m. EST on TLC.

Sources: Mayo Clinic, 90 Day Fiancé/YouTube, Chidi Ikpeamaeze/Instagram, Cleveland Clinic, GoFundMe

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