Teen’s Eye ‘Explodes Like a Grape’ in Shocking Car Crash After Sun Blinds Her at Just 10MPH!

Car accidents, even at low speeds, can result in devastating injuries. For 18-year-old Kylie Dean, a simple drive to school turned into a life-changing event. A blinding glare from the sun caused her car to roll into a vehicle stopped at a stop sign. Though the crash occurred at less than 10 miles per hour, Kylie sustained devastating injuries.

Sitting too close to the steering wheel, she hit her head during the impact. Doctors discovered that her right eye socket had shattered into pieces, causing her eye to “explode like a grape.”

A Horrific Injury from a Low-Speed Crash

On September 20, 18-year-old Ohio student Kylie Dean was driving to school when sun glare caused her to lose control. Her car collided with another vehicle at a stop sign. Though the crash happened at low speed, Kylie suffered severe facial injuries.

The impact caused her right eye socket to shatter, and her eye exploded from the force of the crash. Her mother, Kelly, said that Kylie was sitting too close to the steering wheel, which led to her head hitting it upon impact.

The Extent of Kylie’s Injuries

In addition to her eye injury, Kylie sustained several facial injuries. She suffered a broken nose and fractured teeth, and the iris and lens of her right eye were torn. Her tear duct was also severely damaged. Kelly received an alarm on her phone alerting her of the crash and rushed to the scene. She found Kylie and the car covered in blood.

Kylie was immediately taken to the hospital, where surgeons performed emergency surgery to close her eye. Although doctors were able to stabilize her, Kylie lost sight in her right eye permanently. She now faces a long road of recovery, including waiting for dental implants and prosthetics for her right eye.

Recovery and Future Surgeries

Kylie spent several days in the hospital recovering from the traumatic injuries she sustained. The first surgery addressed the immediate damage to her eye, but she will need several more procedures. Her family is hoping to raise $20,000 through donations to cover these costs. Their insurance will not cover dental implants, classifying them as cosmetic surgery.

Once Kylie undergoes dental work, specialists will measure her left eye to create a prosthetic that matches the natural appearance of her eyes. While she won’t regain vision in her right eye, the prosthetic will help restore her confidence and facial structure.

Kylie expressed her desire to return to her normal life and continue her hobbies. She played instruments and acted before the accident, and she hopes the surgeries will allow her to continue these passions. Without the necessary procedures, she will face challenges with her hobbies and day-to-day activities.

Preventing Accidents Caused by Sun Glare

Sun glare is a common driving hazard that can occur without warning, reducing visibility and leading to accidents. In Kylie’s case, sun glare was the main factor that led to her losing control of the vehicle. Despite driving slowly, the glare caused a crash. Here are practical ways to protect yourself from sun glare while driving:

1. Use Polarized Sunglasses: Polarized lenses filter out horizontal light waves, which cause glare, helping you see better in bright sunlight.
2. Keep Your Windshield Clean: Dirt and smudges on the windshield can worsen glare, so make sure it’s clean both inside and out to improve visibility.
3. Adjust Your Sun Visor: Use the sun visor to block direct sunlight from reaching your eyes, improving your ability to see the road.
4. Slow Down: When driving into the sun, reduce your speed. This gives you more time to react to potential hazards and ensures safer driving conditions.
5. Change Your Route or Timing: If possible, avoid driving directly into the sun or adjust your travel time to when sunlight isn’t an issue.
6. Maintain Safe Following Distance: Keep a larger distance between you and the car ahead. Glare reduces reaction time, so the extra space helps prevent collisions.

What to Do After a Traumatic Injury: Kylie’s Recovery Journey

Kylie’s story highlights the unpredictable dangers of road accidents and the long journey of recovery after traumatic injuries. For those who have experienced similar situations, here are important steps to take:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if injuries aren’t immediately apparent, getting a full medical evaluation is critical to avoid complications. In Kylie’s case, prompt medical intervention saved her from further harm.
2. Plan for Long-Term Care: Severe injuries often require months or years of care, from surgeries to therapy. Having a recovery plan and realistic expectations can help patients and families cope with the long road ahead.
3. Consult Specialists: Traumatic injuries may require expertise from a variety of specialists. Work with reconstructive surgeons, ophthalmologists, or other professionals to get the best care possible.
4. Consider Mental Health Support: The emotional toll of significant physical changes can be overwhelming. Therapy or counseling can play a vital role in coping with the aftermath of a traumatic injury.
5. Utilize Support Networks: Surrounding yourself with family, friends, and a community of supporters is essential for emotional and financial support. Kylie’s family turned to their community for help, and the response has been heartening.

How You Can Support Her Recovery

Kylie’s family set up a GoFundMe to raise the funds needed for the additional surgeries she faces. While their insurance covered some costs, dental implants and certain reconstructive procedures are not covered. The family needs $20,000 to move forward with these surgeries.

Kelly emphasized that the surgeries will not only help Kylie physically but also emotionally. Restoring her appearance will give Kylie back some of what she lost and allow her to pursue her passions again. “This is everything she is and everything she’s worked for,” Kelly said, underlining how important the surgeries are for Kylie’s confidence and future.

If you would like to help Kylie and her family, you can visit their GoFundMe page to contribute to her medical expenses.

A Harrowing Reminder of Road Safety

Kylie Dean’s accident highlights the dangers of road conditions like sun glare and the lasting impacts that even low-speed crashes can have. Her resilience and the support from her family and community show the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. By taking simple precautions, such as protecting yourself from sun glare while driving, you can reduce the risk of accidents. Kylie’s recovery is a long road, but with the help of supporters, she can regain the life she loves.

Kylie Dean’s story illustrates how a low-speed car crash can have life-changing consequences. To help Kylie through her recovery and support her return to her passions, consider donating to her GoFundMe. Every contribution helps her move closer to reclaiming her life and continuing to pursue her dreams.