Woman Claws Out Eyes in Desperate Act to “See the Light”

A tragic incident unfolded on February 6, 2018, when Kaylee Muthart, a 20-year-old woman from Florida, gouged out her own eyes outside a church in a shocking act driven by a psychotic breakdown. Muthart, who had been battling addiction and mental health issues, believed this horrific act would bring her closer to God and help “save the world.”

Once a model student, Muthart had secured a place in the National Honour Society. However, her life began to deteriorate after she dropped out of school at 17, intending to work and save for university. Her struggles with substance abuse escalated when she inhaled a cannabis cigarette contaminated with methamphetamine at the age of 19, leading to a downward spiral that culminated in the fateful day of her self-harm.

On the day of the incident, Muthart reportedly consumed a larger-than-usual amount of methamphetamine, triggering a drug-induced hallucination. She felt compelled to go to the church, interpreting a friend’s casual remark as a call for “sacrifice.” Reflecting on that moment, she recounted, “I remember thinking that someone had to sacrifice something important to right the world, and that person was me.”

As she knelt outside the church, Muthart’s actions took a horrific turn. She described the struggle of clawing at her eyes, stating, “I pushed my thumb, pointer, and middle finger into each eye. I gripped each eyeball, twisted, and pulled until each eye popped out of the socket.”

A pastor nearby heard her screams and rushed to assist. He later recounted that Muthart was holding her eyeballs in her hands, having caused severe damage to her optic nerves. Following the incident, it took seven medical professionals to restrain her in the hospital while they removed the remnants of her eyes to prevent infection.

Despite this life-altering experience, Muthart’s journey did not end in despair. In 2023, she spoke to the Daily Star, revealing her commitment to sobriety and personal growth. After the incident, she dedicated herself to overcoming her addiction, ultimately mastering braille and various assistive technologies. She secured a job at a restaurant in Florida, where she worked as a dishwasher, and was on track to earn her high school diploma from Penn Foster.

Muthart also expressed her aspirations to study neurobiology at university. She described her life after losing her sight, stating, “Because I have seen before, my mind will not accept not seeing.” She experiences visual hallucinations, which she interprets as a divine presence, saying, “Even when you are blind, it is not dark.”

Although Muthart faced challenges, including losing her job in December 2022, her determination remains unshaken. She plans to start a non-profit organization aimed at helping those struggling with addiction and mental health issues. “My hopes for the future are big,” she declared. “I will be motivational speaking at as many places as possible to share my story.”

Muthart’s story is a testament to human resilience. Despite her blindness, she maintains a positive outlook, believing that her condition protects her from the temptations of addiction. As she continues to pursue her dreams, including learning to play musical instruments, Muthart exemplifies the power of hope and determination in the face of adversity.