What happened to Mina Starsiak’s eye? Reveals Scary Vision Loss.

On September 17, in a heartwarming Instagram post, the host of “Good Bones” shared her “Highlight Reel 🤍” from a family vacation. In the caption, she asked her followers for their thoughts on cruises, stating, “What’s your thought on cruises??!? We haven’t written them off [but] this one was rough 😬.”

While their cruise may have had its rocky moments, Starsiak Hawk’s post beautifully showcased some of the sweeter memories from the trip. The post featured a collection of 10 photos, capturing moments with her husband Steve Hawk and their two children, Jack (5 years old) and Charlie (3 years old). The images radiated joy as the family of four reveled in their time aboard the cruise ship and enjoyed the beach during their vacation. Jack and Charlie were captured playing in the sand and even interacting with local pigs at one of their cruise destinations.

Amidst the cherished memories of her recent family vacation, there was one aspect of the cruise experience that lingered with Starsiak Hawk longer than she had anticipated. On September 17, the “Good Bones” host shared a valuable lesson with her followers via an Instagram Story.

She candidly advised, “This is just an FYI. I learned it the hard way,” before delving into her cautionary tale. Starsiak Hawk explained, “Scopolamine patches, which are the anti-nausea patches you put on your neck, can – I think I may have put it on [near] my eyes – but it will dilate your pupils so you can’t read. So even with my phone on the biggest text, like the old people biggest text, I still can’t read anything.”

Despite her temporary vision impairment caused by the Scopolamine patches, Starsiak Hawk reassured her audience that things began returning to normal a day after she removed them. She shared, “And I took it off Saturday, and my vision is starting to come back but it’s very strange. So if you are going to be using a nausea patch anytime soon, be prepared to not see a doggone thing.”

Her candid advice serves as a valuable heads-up for anyone considering the use of such patches in the future, emphasizing the importance of being ready for potential vision challenges while using them.

Scopolamine Patches Uses, Side Effects

Scopolamine patches are a medication delivery system used to administer scopolamine, a medication derived from the belladonna plant, also known as “devil’s trumpet” or “deadly nightshade.” Scopolamine is primarily prescribed to prevent motion sickness and to treat nausea and vomiting associated with various medical conditions and surgical procedures. These patches work by slowly releasing the medication through the skin into the bloodstream, providing a continuous and consistent dose over a set period.

Usage:

1. Motion Sickness: Scopolamine patches are commonly used to prevent motion sickness, especially for people traveling on boats, airplanes, or vehicles. They are typically applied behind the ear at least 4 hours before the anticipated motion exposure. They should be removed after 3 days.
2. Nausea and Vomiting: Scopolamine patches can be prescribed to manage nausea and vomiting caused by surgery, anesthesia, or certain medical conditions. In this case, they are typically applied the night before surgery or as directed by a healthcare professional.
3. Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV): Scopolamine patches can also be used postoperatively to reduce nausea and vomiting that may occur after surgery.

Side Effects: While scopolamine patches can be effective in preventing nausea and motion sickness, they may cause various side effects, including:

1. Dry Mouth: Dry mouth is a common side effect of scopolamine. Staying hydrated and sucking on sugar-free candies or chewing gum can help alleviate this symptom.
2. Drowsiness: Scopolamine can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and blurred vision. It is essential not to drive or operate heavy machinery while using the patch until you know how it affects you.
3. Constipation: Some individuals may experience constipation while using scopolamine patches. Maintaining a diet rich in fiber and drinking plenty of fluids can help alleviate this issue.
4. Blurry Vision: As mentioned, scopolamine can affect vision, making it difficult to focus on nearby objects. This effect typically subsides after the patch is removed.
5. Skin Irritation: Irritation at the patch application site is possible but not common. If you experience severe skin reactions, you should consult your healthcare provider.
6. Allergic Reactions: In rare cases, some individuals may develop an allergic reaction to scopolamine patches. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, and difficulty breathing. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms.

It’s crucial to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions when using scopolamine patches and to inform them about any preexisting medical conditions or medications you are taking, as interactions can occur. Additionally, scopolamine patches should not be used in individuals with certain medical conditions, such as glaucoma, and should be used with caution in the elderly and those with specific heart, liver, or kidney conditions. Always consult with your healthcare provider before using scopolamine patches, especially if you have any concerns or questions about their usage or potential side effects.