Jewel Shuping’s decision to intentionally lose her eyesight may seem extreme to many, but for her, it was a lifelong desire fulfilled. Dealing with Body Integrity Identity Disorder (BIID), a psychological condition where individuals feel they should be disabled, Jewel believed she was meant to be blind since childhood. She even went to the extent of staring at the sun for prolonged periods in hopes of damaging her eyes.
As Jewel grew older, her identification with blindness deepened. She adopted blind accessories like dark sunglasses and a white cane, and became proficient in Braille. While initially pretending to be blind sufficed, Jewel eventually pursued a drastic measure to achieve permanent blindness.
In 2006, in North Carolina, Jewel found a psychologist who assisted her in pouring drain cleaner into her eyes, leading to irreversible damage. Despite excruciating pain during the procedure, Jewel was resolute in her choice to go blind. The aftermath left her permanently sightless, a transformation she welcomed as her true identity.
Although her decision strained relationships with family members, Jewel stands by her contentment with the outcome. She emphasizes the lack of alternatives she felt she had and urges caution to others with BIID, advocating for safer approaches to fulfilling their desires. Jewel hopes to raise awareness about BIID and the risks associated with extreme actions like hers, emphasizing the importance of seeking professional help.
