Eyes of the storm: Biographical disruption and political context of ocular trauma victims during the 2019 Chilean uprising.

This article investigates the profound impact of ocular trauma on victims of police repression during Chile's social uprising in October 2019. The uprising led to an unprecedented number of ocular trauma cases, similar to those seen in wartime, often resulting in various degrees of blindness. Utilizing the concept of biographical disruption, the study examines how the sudden onset of blindness disrupts daily life, compelling individuals to redefine their sense of self and their life narratives. A qualitative meta-analysis of testimonies reveals that this abrupt and violent loss of vision irrevocably alters daily life, forcing victims to confront a "new normal" and redefine their identity. A key finding is that while ocular trauma often causes profound biographical disruption, many victims simultaneously experience biographical reinforcement. This involves reinterpreting the trauma within their existing life stories, frequently in the context of social inequality or political identity. Such reinterpretation can be empowering, leading to a reorientation of their lives, strengthened activism, and the transformation of their wounds into powerful symbols of collective resistance. The study highlights the diverse ways individuals process rupture, with some converting their pain into a meaningful struggle for justice and reparation. Ultimately, the agency demonstrated by these survivors-through political activism, organizing for justice, and creative expression-is crucial for navigating the post-trauma experience and for shaping Chile's biographical and political history. The study underscores the critical need for tailored reparation policies that integrate human rights-based approaches, comprehensive psychosocial support, and public acknowledgment to facilitate true biographical healing and social transformation.