7 Shocking Facts About Fetty Wap's Prosthetic Eye (And Why He Stopped Wearing It)
The unique look of rapper Fetty Wap has been a central part of his public identity since his rise to global fame with the hit "Trap Queen." While many fans have speculated about the missing eye, the true story is a powerful narrative of resilience, a serious medical condition, and a choice to embrace authenticity. As of December 25, 2025, Fetty Wap continues to inspire millions by openly discussing his journey with congenital glaucoma and his decision regarding the prosthetic eye.
This deep dive explores the medical facts, the reconstructive surgery, the use of the ocular prosthesis, and the profound reason why the New Jersey artist, whose real name is Willie Junior Maxwell II, chose to go without it, turning a personal struggle into a statement of self-acceptance for a new generation.
Fetty Wap: Complete Biography & Profile
Willie Junior Maxwell II, known professionally as Fetty Wap, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter who rose to prominence with his distinctive sound and look. His life and career have been defined by both chart-topping success and personal challenges, including his lifelong battle with glaucoma.
- Full Name: Willie Junior Maxwell II
- Stage Name: Fetty Wap (The "Fetty" comes from slang for money, and "Wap" is a tribute to his idol, Gucci Mane, whose nickname is Guwop)
- Born: June 7, 1991
- Birthplace: Paterson, New Jersey, U.S.
- Occupation: Rapper, Singer, Songwriter
- Musical Genre: Hip Hop, Trap
- Years Active: 2013–present
- Breakthrough Hits: "Trap Queen," "679," "My Way"
- Eye Condition: Congenital Glaucoma (affecting the left eye)
The Medical Truth: Congenital Glaucoma and the Accident
The most persistent rumor surrounding Fetty Wap's eye is that he lost it in a street fight or a violent accident. However, the rapper himself has repeatedly clarified the origins of his condition, linking it to a serious medical diagnosis he received as an infant.
A Diagnosis at Six Months Old
Fetty Wap was diagnosed with congenital glaucoma when he was just six months old. This is a rare, serious eye condition present at or shortly after birth, caused by the abnormal development of the eye's drainage system.
The condition prevents fluid (aqueous humor) from draining properly, leading to a dangerous buildup of pressure inside the eye. This elevated pressure damages the optic nerve, resulting in vision loss and, if untreated, blindness.
The Role of a Childhood Accident
While the primary cause was congenital glaucoma, Fetty Wap has also mentioned that a "little accident" he had when he was young contributed to the severity of the condition in both eyes. Doctors were able to save his right eye, but the damage to his left eye was too extensive.
He was told by doctors that he was initially supposed to lose both eyes, a testament to the life-saving work done to preserve the vision in his right eye.
The Loss and Reconstructive Surgery
Fetty Wap lost his left eye before his first birthday. Years later, when he was 12, he underwent reconstructive surgery. This procedure is often necessary to prepare the eye socket for an ocular prosthesis, or artificial eye, which he wore for many years.
The symptoms of primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) in infants, which can be easily missed, include excessive tearing (epiphora), sensitivity to light (photophobia), and involuntary squinting (blepharospasm). For Fetty Wap, the condition led to the removal of the damaged eye and the subsequent use of a prosthetic device.
The Powerful Choice to Ditch the Prosthetic Eye
For a significant portion of his life, Fetty Wap wore an ocular prosthesis, a custom-made artificial eye designed to match the appearance of his healthy eye. The decision to stop wearing it was not a medical necessity but a powerful, personal choice about self-identity and acceptance.
Embracing Authenticity Over Appearance
In interviews with outlets like Shade 45 and Live Nation TV, Fetty Wap explained that he simply grew tired of wearing the prosthetic. He felt comfortable in his own skin and decided he didn't need to conform to societal expectations of what he should look like.
He stated that he stopped wearing the prosthesis because he felt it was no longer necessary to hide his unique feature. This act of public self-acceptance became a cornerstone of his persona—a rapper who was unapologetically himself.
Inspiring a Generation: The Zoovier Movement
Fetty Wap's decision had an unexpected and profound impact on his fans, particularly children and young people dealing with their own eye conditions or physical differences.
The most famous instance involved a young boy whose mother shared a heartfelt post, explaining that her son was terrified of taking out his prosthetic eye until he saw Fetty Wap openly embracing his look.
This moment cemented Fetty Wap's status as an accidental role model, using his celebrity platform to promote body positivity and confidence. By eschewing the ocular prosthetics, he showed millions that a physical difference is not a flaw, but simply a part of who you are.
The Long-Term Impact on Career and Life
Fetty Wap’s eye condition and his openness about it have deeply influenced his career, making him one of the most recognizable figures in modern hip-hop.
Visual Identity and Album Art
His distinctive look became part of his brand. The cover art for his debut self-titled album, Fetty Wap, features the Paterson, New Jersey-born artist covering his entire face, a subtle nod to the focus on his missing eye. His visual identity is now synonymous with his music, often referred to by his fans as 'Zoovier'.
The Conversation Starter
By addressing the rumors directly, Fetty Wap turned a source of potential insecurity into a conversation starter. He used his interviews to educate the public about congenital glaucoma, bringing awareness to a rare condition that affects about one in every 10,000 infants.
His willingness to share his story on platforms like Shade 45 and through videos helped to put an end to the sensationalized rumors, replacing them with medical facts and a message of courage.
Continued Relevance in 2025
Even as his career evolves, the story of his eye remains a core part of his legacy. His track "Again" experienced a resurgence in 2025 due to social media popularity, demonstrating his continued influence. The rapper's journey from a child with congenital glaucoma to a global superstar who chooses authenticity over artifice is a powerful narrative that continues to resonate with fans worldwide.
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