Student who tore eyeballs out while high on drugs issues message years later

Warning: this article contents content which some readers may find distressing

Kaylee Muthart’s story with drug addiction previously went viral when she ended up permanently blinding herself.

Back in 2018, she was a 20-year-old student and was also recovering from a mental breakdown and experiencing a tumultuous breakup that led to her being under the illusion she had to ‘right the world’.

Muthart experienced a meth-induced psychotic episode outside a church in South Carolina, US, and ended up gouging out her own eyes.

And earlier this year, she issued a message as she speaks about her religion and addiction on TikTok. This came as she admitted she’d never thought she’d be ‘the one’ that others end up having to learn about in ‘health class’.

A user commented on one of her videos in February to say: “We just learned about your story today in health class. I’m so happy that you’ve been able to recover.”

It seems this really touched Muthart as she responded: “Wow, I didn't know that it was being shared in health classes that really impacted me in a strong way thank you for letting me know that and thank you for your kind and positive words.

“I remember sitting in health class myself never thought that I would be the one they tell people about, life takes many unexpected turns and God has his hands on all of us throughout all of it.

“Thank you so much and I hope your life as well and stay strong in life.”

While her memories of the horrific incident are ‘fuzzy’ due to her ‘hallucinating’, Muthart previously explained to People: “I thought I had to take my eyes out to survive and save the world."

A pastor heard her shouting, 'I want to see the light' and rushed over, with the student saying she had been 'holding my eyeballs in my hands' by that point.

She was then rushed to hospital to remove what was left of her eyes and to prepare her sockets for prosthetics, while also receiving psychiatric treatment.

Reflecting nearly a year after her daughter ripped out and squished her own eyeballs, mum Katy Tompkins said she had ‘been given a second chance’.

“Mentally and physically Kaylee has come so far. We take one day at a time, but each of her days gets better,” she explained.

“Her thoughts are very goal-oriented, and now she completely understands her path. Part of that path is to help people with her story.”

Muthard completed a month-long inpatient drug treatment program and went on to attend a school for the blind. She received her first set of prosthetic eyes in 2020.

Last year, she uploaded various videos reflecting on her journey as she said: “I pulled out my eyes on meth and I’m finally here to share my story.”

If you want friendly, confidential advice about drugs, you can talk to FRANK. You can call 0300 123 6600, text 82111 or contact through their website 24/7, or livechat from 2pm-6pm any day of the week.