People love a good mystery. When Fetty Wap exploded onto the scene in 2014 with "Trap Queen," everyone was vibing to the melody, but they were also staring at his face. Specifically, his left eye. The rumors started immediately. Some said he got shot in the face during a drug deal gone wrong. Others claimed it was a firework accident or a brutal fight in the streets of Paterson, New Jersey.
The truth? It’s way less "street" and a lot more human.
Fetty Wap, born Willie Junior Maxwell II, wasn't the victim of a drive-by. He was just a baby. He was born with congenital glaucoma in both eyes. This isn't the kind of glaucoma your grandma gets; it's a rare condition where the eye's drainage system doesn't develop right from birth. The pressure inside the eye builds up like a balloon ready to pop, and it destroys the optic nerve.
By the time he was six months old, the pressure in his left eye was so severe that doctors simply couldn't save it. They had to remove it.
The Fetty Wap prosthetic eye journey
For most of his life, Fetty actually wore a prosthetic. He had reconstructive surgery when he was around 12 years old to help with the fitting, but he spent his entire childhood trying to blend in. Imagine being a kid in Jersey, already dealing with the pressures of school, and having to worry if your "fake eye" looks natural enough to avoid the bullies.
He did get bullied. A lot. He’s been open about getting into fights because kids were cruel about his appearance.
✨ Don't miss: Mia Khalifa New Sex Research: Why Everyone Is Still Obsessed With Her 2014 Career
Then, one day, he just stopped.
He woke up and decided he didn't want to look like everyone else anymore. He took the Fetty Wap prosthetic eye out and never looked back. Honestly, it was a massive power move. In an industry like hip-hop that is so obsessed with image, jewelry, and "perfection," here comes this guy who is literally missing an eye and doesn't care if you're uncomfortable.
Why the rumors won't die
Even though he's told the glaucoma story a hundred times, the "shot in the face" narrative sticks. Why? Because it fits the rapper archetype. But Fetty has always stayed grounded about it. He often credits his doctors for saving the vision in his right eye, saying he feels "blessed" to have any sight at all.
There's a specific medical reality to his look now, too. Some fans notice that the area around his left eye sometimes looks red or "bloodshot." According to medical experts, when someone has an empty ocular socket without a prosthesis, the delicate mucosal tissue is exposed. It’s sensitive. It gets irritated. It’s not a "look" he's trying to cultivate; it's just what happens when you live life authentically without a plastic shell covering your face.
Impact on his fans (The Jayden Burgos story)
This wasn't just about Fetty’s own confidence. His decision to ditch the Fetty Wap prosthetic eye actually changed lives.
🔗 Read more: Is Randy Parton Still Alive? What Really Happened to Dolly’s Brother
Take Jayden Burgos, for example.
Jayden was a young boy who lost his eye to retinoblastoma (a type of eye cancer) when he was just a toddler. He was terrified to go to school without his prosthetic. He felt "weird." Then he saw Fetty Wap on TV. He saw a superstar who was famous, rich, and cool, all while rocking the same look Jayden had.
Inspired by the rapper, Jayden finally took his prosthetic out. His mother, Brenda Vaden, shared the story on Facebook, and it went viral. Fetty eventually met the kid, and honestly, it’s one of the most wholesome moments in recent music history. It turned a medical "disability" into a badge of courage.
What most people get wrong about glaucoma
Glaucoma is often called the "silent thief of sight."
- It’s not just for old people. Pediatric glaucoma affects about 1 in 10,000 babies.
- Pressure is the enemy. If not caught early, the damage is irreversible.
- Surgery isn't always a cure. Fetty had surgeries, but they were mostly for maintenance and comfort, not to restore vision.
Fetty has also mentioned using cannabis to manage the remaining pressure in his right eye. While the science on weed and glaucoma is a bit of a mixed bag (it lowers pressure, but only for a few hours at a time), for someone who has already lost 50% of their vision, any relief is worth it.
💡 You might also like: Patricia Neal and Gary Cooper: The Affair That Nearly Broke Hollywood
The legacy of the look
When Fetty Wap released his self-titled debut album in 2015, the cover featured him with his hand over his face, but his left eye was clearly visible. It was a statement. He wasn't hiding behind a pair of permanent sunglasses like some artists might.
By the time he was released from prison in early 2026, the fascination with his eye hadn't faded, but the respect for his transparency had grown. He proved that you don't need "perfect" symmetry to be a global icon.
Actionable Insights for Navigating Eye Health and Image
If you or someone you know is dealing with vision loss or a prosthetic, here is the real-world takeaway from the Fetty Wap story:
- Early Detection is Non-Negotiable: If you notice a "cloudy" look in an infant’s eye or excessive tearing, get them to a pediatric ophthalmologist immediately. Congenital glaucoma moves fast.
- Prosthetics are Optional: Modern ocular prosthetics are incredible and look 100% real, but they aren't mandatory. Comfort—both physical and emotional—is what matters most.
- Own the Narrative: Fetty stopped the rumors by being blunt. If you have a physical difference, telling your own story prevents others from making up a worse one for you.
- Check Your Pressure: If you have a family history of glaucoma, regular "puff tests" at the eye doctor are your best defense against losing vision as you age.
The Fetty Wap prosthetic eye might be a thing of the past, but the lesson in self-acceptance is still very much relevant.