Snowboarder Loses Eye to Tree Branch in Horrific Accident

Shelby Perry, a 35-year-old experienced snowboarder from Salt Lake City, Utah, experienced a life-altering injury on the slopes. While riding with friends, her snowboard edge caught, causing her to brush against trees. This impact dislodged her goggles, exposing her eye for a crucial second. A thin tree branch then pierced her eye, leading to a severe injury that extended to her orbital bone.

Surgeons worked extensively to save Shelby's eye, performing over 30 internal stitches and inserting stents in her tear ducts. However, after two months, doctors determined the eye could not be saved and it had to be surgically removed on April 29, 2021. Adapting to single-eyed vision presented significant challenges, including exhaustion, dizziness, and difficulties with depth perception, impacting everyday tasks like driving.

Beyond the physical recovery, Shelby grappled with the emotional toll of losing a part of herself. She found solace and purpose by sharing her experience on Instagram, building a community for individuals dealing with eye loss. Her personal journey inspired her to develop comfortable, high-quality eye patches for others navigating life with prosthetics and eye loss.