12-year-old sees again with technology

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A central Indiana girl has gotten her vision and life back thanks to the help of technology.

12-years-old Kaylee Marks went legally blind two years ago. She has had different health complications through her life but it is not known what caused her optic nerve atrophy.

“It’s just hard trying to be in with other people who can see and I’m over here and can’t. It could happen to you in a flash. You could have a downward spiral of vision issues,” said Kaylee about her vision problems.

She said it has been difficult going through life not being able to see more than about 12 inches in front of her.

“It’s family-altering. It changed our family dynamics because everything we had to think about. Don’t take your sight for granted. She woke up and she can’t find her glasses. We have to put them in the same spot every night,” said Brenda who is Kaylee’s mother.

She recently got some new glasses that has helped with her vision called eSight. 

Her mother said this has changed their life and helped to give them a new normal.

“She is the bigger trooper and strongest little girl I know. She can now see our face, see us smile, see us react, see reactions. She can see out the window and it’s completely changed our family and her life,” she said of her daughter.

The family has the glasses out on loan. They cost around $10,000. A Go Fund Me account has been set up to help them pay for the equipment.

Their bank BMO Harris has also organized an event called Kaylee’s Carnival on October 20 to help them raise more money.