She was 20 years old, three days into a methamphetamine binge, and experiencing a break from reality so severe that she believed she was hearing the voice of God. What happened next left her permanently blind.
Early Life
Kaylee Muthart was born in 1997 in Anderson, South Carolina, and grew up in a Christian family. She was a strong student with interests in music and marine biology, and her academic performance began to decline around age 17 amid a heart arrhythmia diagnosis and demanding work hours.
Addiction
At 18, while working at a restaurant, Muthart was introduced to marijuana and later methamphetamine by an acquaintance. Her use of meth escalated to daily addiction, and she also experimented with other substances. Her family noticed changes in her behavior and appearance and attempted to get her into treatment, though she initially did not acknowledge she had a problem. She has since described experiencing paranoia and delusions, including religious hallucinations, in the period leading up to the incident that cost her her sight.
The Incident
On February 6, 2018, following several days of methamphetamine use without sleep, Muthart experienced a severe psychotic episode near a church and permanently injured her own eyes, resulting in total blindness. A pastor who heard her in distress called emergency services, and she was taken to a hospital, where she underwent surgery. She has said she later felt a sense of unexpected calm following the incident, describing it as a turning point that separated her from her addiction, though this reflects her personal experience processing profound trauma rather than a recommendation regarding self-harm.
Recovery
Muthart spent time in a psychiatric facility receiving treatment for her mental health and substance use, and learned to adapt to life without sight. In 2020, she received prosthetic eyes custom-matched to her natural eye color. She has since pursued further education, returned to music, and spoken publicly about addiction and recovery, describing a wish to help others facing similar struggles and to raise awareness about the risks of methamphetamine use.
FAQ
Did Kaylee Muthart regain any of her sight?
No. She is permanently and completely blind; her prosthetic eyes address appearance only, not vision.
What caused the psychotic episode?
Several days of sustained methamphetamine use without sleep, which she has said led to severe paranoia and religious delusions.
Has Kaylee Muthart spoken publicly about her experience?
Yes. She has discussed her addiction, recovery, and adjustment to blindness in interviews and public appearances.
This story involves self-harm during a mental health crisis. If you or someone you know is struggling, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available by call or text at 988.