The story of How I DESTROYED my eye! Blind in one eye and the bizarre way it happened.

As requested by viewers, the story about my eye and KZbin name.
Email [e-mail]

[@browning7750]

Man! It happens so fast! Faster even than the blink of an eye literally and in all seriousness. 😬 My wife fell from a treestand back in Jan 2009 (same year as your injury) . I kicked myself over and over for her accident. I wish I would've hunted with her that day. Flying squirrels startled her as she was transitioning from the ladder to the seat. Her reaction to the squirrels coming out of the upholstered seat caused her to fall 16 ft resulting in broken tibias and fibulas in both legs (about midway of her chins) A lifeflight, surgery, phys. therapy, and months in a wheelchair taught us a lot. She's made full recovery for the most part. Thanks so much for sharing this as it serves to remind all of us to be safe and inspire all of us to be a donor. "And we know that all things work together for those who love God and are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28 **SUBSCRIBED**

[@OneEyeCustoms]

Thanks for your story as well!! Tell your wife to get back in a tree and enjoy life. And thank you for the subscription!! Hope you enjoy the other videos!!

[@wesleyhuckabay5968]

Hey Doug, I’m 77 and have been in a wheelchair for 15 years. I used to say “why me”, and like you said there was no reason. It took a while but I finally came to the conclusion that is what it is. I quit feeling sorry for myself about all the outdoor activities I use to enjoy and focused on what I could still do. I’m much happier now and you made some very valid points. I enjoy your videos look forward to each and every one. Keep making them and I’ll keep watching them.

[@Chrispy9393]

There's a reason Norm Abraham always mentioned shop safety in every single episode of The New Yankee Workshop. Specifically including Safety Glasses. Great video, Doug!

[@Tdale85]

Losing an eye is always tough, especially as an adult. I lost vision in my right eye and a small part of my left, but due to cancer when I was 4. I always tell people I lost it in a bar fight and you should see the other guy. Fortunately I was able to adapt my depth perception a lot easier than most adults.

[@chris3m98]

Doug, one thing that I took from this video was the 2 words (can do). Those 2 words gave you hope to carry on with your life. I'm sure by telling your story today you have given hope to someone on KZbin. Thank you. 😄👁

[@deanrambler9006]

Thank you so much for sharing that. It makes me feel better knowing how it happened. I lost my left lower leg to an infection in 2002. I've had many struggles to get back to what I like doing. I am now 65 and that age is slowing me down more than the loss of my leg. I do have a prosthetic that lets me walk almost normally. My point is that I keep hearing from friends and family how much they admire how much I can still do. To me, that means I haven't let it be, as you put it, "doom and gloom" for me either. I am glad you have been able to enjoy a very-close-to-normal life too.

[@garylaszewski7380]

Your wife Autumn deserves lots of commendation for taking good care of you! I am sure she suffered right along with you during your recovery and caring for you. You both are an inspiration for all of us. Your "life advice" is excellent and admirable. You truly are a precious friend to your friends. I wish I would have heard your story and advice years ago. Thank you Doug!

[@jackpoage5419]

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. I've had plenty of injuries in my 75 years, one was a severely fractured pelvis. I have several yard trees that I cut back every three years. I am doing a forty foot oak this week. I cycle 2k miles a year. My neighbors call me a medical miracle. Glad you haven't let your eye injury weaken you and keep you from living a very productive life.

[@johnapernorio8151]

Doug, as we said in the military, improvise, adapt and overcome.

[@ShellyEdwards-n4w]

Hey Doug, my husband lost his eye in 2008, the left one, from a stoke. He had an enucleation done because they were not able to save his eye from the pressure. We have nicknamed him One Eyed Matt, he even had his license plate ICN1I.....took folks awhile to understand that one, lol. He is a much better driver than I am at night, especially in the rain. We know that all things happen for a reason and we are grateful that we have Jesus to get us through these trials. We really enjoy your videos, they have given us great inspiration to get his garage set up and in order! Thanks!

[@OneEyeCustoms]

Thank you for sharing! Please tell One Eyed Matt I said hello! 😁

[@jimconnor8274]

Hello Doug, at 74 and a 17 yr stroke sivior. I can relate totally to your situation..I lost My side movement. Including at least 95% of my peripheral vision . The worst thing with a stroke is dealing with depression. Refusing to go on medication I spent over a year going to a shrink. She was confused how I could deal with it so well . I simply told her. The damage has been and can't be fixed. So my only option is to live with life positively with what I have left. After long 4 million mile safe driving career. I gave up my CDL. To make sure I wouldn't hurt anyone else. My wife and I worked together as long haul truckers. Sitting within 3' of each 24/7 We learned how not to kill each other! This November will be 55 yrs of marriage. Keep your videos coming they're top notch like everything you do.

[@OneEyeCustoms]

@jim connor I’m very sorry to hear of your stroke, but happy you survived! We really have to make the best of every bad situation or life just goes down hill very fast and no one wants to be around you. Stay strong and always try to find the bright side of everything! Best of luck to you and congratulations on your 55 years of marriage! We are at 32 years of marriage and have worked side by side the entire time as well. We even shared an office for many of those years!

[@Cinder2008]

What a great attitude you have! Too many people are “waa waa “”help me”” I’ve been ripped off” etc. Your channel is refreshing

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

Thats story is a good reality check for everyone. So many abilities we take for granted everyday. And they can be gone in a split second. Thanks for sharing that story. Im sure that was a difficult situation to go through.

[@OneEyeCustoms]

@Spicer Designs No, it wasn’t an easy story to re-live, let alone video. Thanks for the view and the comment! Hope all is well over your way!!

[@ramiromarin4002]

I had the same problem with my left eye, someone hit me with a scotch drinking glass and cut mi eye, I'm blind to my left eye and lost my commercial license as well. Sorry for your lost. But my eye drained out and couldn't get repair , and a specialist fixed me up a prosthetic eye that fit over my bad eye. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@robertbuchanan8718]

I was born leagelly blind in my right eye, so I never saw muvh out of my right eye, I was also born crossed eyed in my right eye, it was straightened when I was 13 years old, after the operation it was about 25 degrees off, and never repaired again, but the doctor told me it will probably be best not to have another operation, because of my eyes not beng cordanated that kept me out of the army when I got drafted in 1969. back in those days that held me back from getting a good job where i had to have an exam. after moving from Phila. area in 1985 and moved to Fla. where I was able to get a good job in the supermarket refrigeration repair for 25 yyears. the only restriction I have is having to have 2 outside mirrors on the vechile I drive. Most people don't even know that I am blind in one eye. the only restriction is what you put on yourself, am now 73 years old and don't regret anthing with my life.. Thamks for sharring your story more people need to protect there eyes. Thanks Bob

[@biggamestalker1]

My dad lost the vision in his left eye in 1970. He’s 80 years old now and still has no sight in the eye but it hasn’t effected his anything. He can still do anything he wants and I’m happy he is still alive and able to raise me and teach me all that he could. I’m 49 and blessed to have him as a father. Thanks for the explanation and keep doing what you do. Be safe from Texas…

[@OneEyeCustoms]

Thank you for that! Dads are invaluable!

[@marlinl.306]

Hi Doug. Excellent video. Thank you so much for the story. I hope to see you at the Ohio Woodburner expo in May. I have a few ideas that I would like to run by you if you have time then. Thanks and stay safe.

[@leadermon]

40 years ago I caught a soccer ball kick in my eye..it ruptured my eye instantly. Turns out ball was just the right diameter to over pressure my eye. Didn't even get a black eye..go figure. Been legally blind for almost my entire life. Saw another one of your videos where you mention depth perception...yeah, NONE. Funny how you learn to re-calculate distances. Like you said, lighting is key. I went on to race motorcycles and for the most part I never notice. Dappled light in the woods, another story, too much to recalculate at race speeds. So, now I just have fun with bikes. Never let it slow you down. Love your logo! Just another one eyed guy driving equipment out west...

[@OneEyeCustoms]

Awesome, thanks for sharing your story! Keep moving on and protect that other eye at any cost!!! Thanks for watching!

[@jaybrown7177]

Thanks for sharing. Hopefully, your story will help save a potential future injury of a fellow follower.

[@mrpush2532]

WOW, sorry that happened to you. I was in track loaded other day, knocking down dead pines and lowering the bucked to break off the thin dead limbs with the glass open and no glasses on. If you know dead dry pine limbs, you know what they do. They explode and fragment sometimes. I didn't get injured but a peice of limbs hit the Door frame like really really hard, POW! SCARED THE CRAP out of me. If it hit my face I would have been Injured. Good reminder to always wear the PPE'S!

[@andrewruskuski8093]

I was always wondering what is your profession, or trade you are in ? You seem to be almost jack of all trades ..

[@tinkermouse-scottrussell3738]

In 1972 the first day of my full-time job. The tool room machinist was wearing safety glasses, but no side shields and lost his eye to a hot chip. We were all fitted with new glasses within the week. Play safe from Elliot Lake, Ontario, Canada.

[@davidshay4773]

A friend of mine lost a eye 20 years ago and when we go hunting he sees more deer than I do, he’s pointed out deer to me more than once.

[@m9ovich785]

Powerful Story Doug. back in 93 at 33 years old I had Experimental Muscle surgery on Both Eyes for Nystagmus. ( very fast involuntary movement ) because my eyes are not pointed in exactly the same direction, the brain is trying to align them. My right Eye is looking down and below my Left Eye. and has 5 Deg of Torsional displacement The University of Minnesota was looking for an older Adult to try this new Procedure before trying it on young Children They designed & built a rig to lock My head in place and ware a Contact lens that had a coil of wire imbedded in it and to the .0001 of an inch very accurately measure and track the motion of the eye. And since the 6 Muscles to the Eye is also the path for Blood flow, they could only move 3 Muscles at any given time And since the Eye is the fastest healing organ of the Body, Healing was rather quick. the only Pain I endured was the Sand like feeling for a while. We ( My Parents and I ) made 4 or 5 trips from Central Wis to the Mayo Clinic. The only thing I had to pay out of Pocket was the Hospital stuff used for the Surgery's. Room & Board and all the testing, labor was all covered by University. The results of all this was minimal. I became Left Eye dominant because it became the most stable . The Snellen Eye charts give me a 20/70 in both Eyes due to the fact of the motion of Nystagmus. I always have to have a Eye test at My Doc's office for my Drivers license cause my Eyes are not compatible with the machines at the DMV. Sorry to Ramble. Thanks Mike M.

[@OneEyeCustoms]

@M9 Ovich thank you for sharing your story! I find it very interesting to hear what others have gone through in their life. The way I see it, we have gone through a lot, but we also have it so much better than others. Always count your blessings and make the best of every situation! Thanks again for your story and stay positive! Thanks Doug

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks for sharing your story. I need to be more mindful of eye protection when working. Thanks for the reminder.

[@austenelam134]

What a crazy story. Thanks for sharing and I will always think about this when working.

[@kenthorsen4558]

Thanks for the story Doug...I guess I need to get a couple pairs of safety glasses.

[@peterscott7384]

Thank you Doug. I cried as you recalled the series of events that led to the injury. Everything happens for a reason. Love the channel. Keep it up.

[@OneEyeCustoms]

@Peter Scott Thank you for the comment and yes, I cried when I made the video sitting in the machine explaining it again.😢 Thanks for watching!!

[@Lorddarthvader1701]

Sad what happened but yes you just don't know sometimes. I had a ladder fall back in 2016 and it messed me up pretty good, I was in the hospital for 3.5 months. I was so upset with myself on the stupid steps that I took and not thinking ( I actually have a video of what happened, the camera on the house recorded it) to this day I cannot watch that anymore. But when I did I could see that I did nothing to plan the ladder climb . Lot's of hurried mistakes etc. I was determined to not let my family down (which it was a tough couple of years financially) to not let this stop me, I took as much PT as I could to recover. I went back to work soon after and just picked up the pieces and moved forward. Reminding myself every day to slow down and think each process out whatever I am doing period.

[@Goodshaft]

Thank God in Heaven that your still alive, and you got a supporting wife and kids to help you in need. Im so glad you can still fix and do things in your wonderful shop and home. I've seen your cats on another video, show yours cats and if you have dogs I'm sure we all love to see those's as well. I'm so happy your at peace with yourself and a positive outlook on life. Keep up the videos on KZbin, we LOVE them ALL...........................God Bless !

[@thomasryan8218]

That was very interesting to hear and I'm glad it wasn't worse.

[@thechallengedwoodworker5283]

Even though it could have been avoided in different ways, everything happens for a reason. Maybe this happened to show you the appreciation of life. You have a great outlook and lesson learned. Autumn has been by your side through the entire ordeal...she's definitely your soul mate!!! I had a similar eye injury when I was 16 in 1986 with a broom handle (Stickball Bat in NYC) shattering my left orbit and my face. Left eye doesn't move up or down but does have side to side and thankfully I do have vision in both eyes. Donors are angels and hero's in my mind. In 2018 I was blessed with a golf ball sized cancerous brain tumor. Long story short, they sliced my head open like a cantaloupe, took it out and now I'm missing 1/4 of my brain (hence the name) but kept pushing on. So much can happen in life so enjoy each day as a blessing. Keep up the great work.

[@OneEyeCustoms]

Thank you for sharing your story!

[@stuskidmore9620]

Lost my right eye in an atv accident on 4/28/08. Have no structure nor optical floor. Wear a prosthesis. Loss of my eye has never slowed me down. Still farm, cut wood and fabricate. Don’t weld as well as I use to as it’s hard too see the puddle. My depth perception sucks but I get by. Thanks for sharing.

[@dubmob151]

Fascinating and sobering tale accentuated by the roving dim bands rolling up the screen in the video. I was having sympathetic vision problems watching it-

[@uberuser1999]

Thanks for sharing the details of your eye injury. It serves as a reminder to all to be safe, as well as inspiration to others to make the best of a difficult situation. The irony is that you always practice safe work habits and just made a simple but tragic mistake. And it happened in a split second. 10 years ago I went to whip about 100’ of garden hose forward to the hose bib by the house. I was washing our motorhome parked in a drive that far from our house. I reached behind me and with all my might, I whipped the hose forward. Mid-swing, the hose nozzle acted like a fish hook on the Belgian block lining the motorhome driveway. My arm came through like a baseball pitcher but my bones in my forearm shattered, I tore my distal biceps out of the bone, ripped my rotator cuff in half and tore my bicep in half - all in a split second and doing nothing generally wrong. Just a horrific accident. 14 hours of surgery and 6 implants from two cadavers. I can use my arm but it will never be the same. Blessings to you for sharing your story and to your wife and family as I know their support was and is invaluable.

[@Dorchwoods]

Crazy story, thanks for sharing! One of those things you'd never think of, definitely a freak accident, but the way you explained it makes perfect sense and I will always keep it in my mind as a safety tip!

[@thecreekfarm4761]

Bad deal but nice story. Had a very similar thing happen to me. Feeding my cows and had a branch come inside by bobcat and hit me in the right eye. Have had 8 surgeries on my eye and am very familiar with everything your have been talking about. I was 50 when this happened and am 54 now. A very new learning experience for an old dog, but have worked though it like you have but I can still see some, but very little. I do still have my CDL license though. I have a friend who also put his eye out completely and has a class A CDL license, takes a lot of work to get but you can get them. I was right eye dominate with my bow hunting and have switched to a left handed bow and have since shot 2 bucks in three years left handed. It can be done, just dont lose the will. Thanks for your video.

[@OneEyeCustoms]

@The Creek Farm Thanks for sharing your story! I wish you the best and keep that good eye protected!

[@thereplacementfordisplacement]

As a kid I had nightmares about losing an eye. I have always bought safety sunglasses and try to wear some kind of safety glasses when doing any kind of work. I've never been hassled or treased about it, I don't understand people's defiance to wearing safety glasses during things like grinding and drilling, etc. I nearly took an eye out just breaking dead dry 1.5" od branches on a pinion pine tree in the backwoods. One of the pieces in the middle of the branch about 6" long snapped off and flew back before I could react and hit me in the eyebrow with enough force to cut it and leave a bruise. I wasn't wearing safety glasses and it was obvious to me I could have badly injured my eye in that situation. I try to make it as convenient as possible to find safety glasses and have them around. I hope your story inspires others to respect their eyesight.

[@cacapupucabesa3498]

You have no business fabricating if you can’t bother to wear safety glasses or make sure those around you are protected.

[@2020Tundra]

Wow, Doug, thank you for sharing your story!! You certainly took a very positive approach to life after the accident. I’ll be 62 in December and I’ve made sight and hearing protection a high priority the older I’ve gotten. I worked at a large manufacturing plant for ~ 41 years and safety was always preached as the most important aspect of your job. Being safe and taking extra precautions has to become part of your lifestyle, which you have obviously done. I’m so glad you didn’t let the accident negatively impact your life. Obviously, you’ve done very well for yourself. Love your channel 👍👍

[@BissellMapleFarm]

This is a powerful episode, Doug. Thank you for sharing. This is a reminder for how easily an accident can happen. It would be cool to see you team up with @BionicLife for some speaking engagements. You both have a powerful story and great attitudes.

[@woodxj]

Thanks for sharing! As you were describing what led to the injury I had that "oh no" song playing in my head and just cringed. My wife being a former operating engineer cringed as well. My grandfather lost on of his eyes in WWII after getting shrapnel in it when he was shot down. Lived into his 80's with it. Every now and then he would bump something on his left side but for the most part it didn't affect him. Grandparents traveled all over with their 26' fifth wheel and never had any issues. What made it a little tougher, he was also colorblind in his good eye.

[@TheSTERNFANATIC]

Doug what an excellent story!! I guess we’ve all push the limits when it comes to our eyes we take them for granted as a mechanic all my life I’m 63 years old now looking back I probably had welders eyeflash 20 times. I’ve had things in my eye grit sand dirt metal rust Etc. you know from working on these cars but safety and safety glasses was always paramount and became more paramount as I got older and taught me to be more conscientious of safety and the value of my eyesight especially when I underwent a detached retina and also a double Cataract surgery. Your video cuts to the point. Honesty. A simple mistake. We all look for convenience. You learned a valuable lesson and have showed us all how important eye safety is. You paid a tremendous cost. I’m sorry my friend. It obviously doesn’t hold you back from any task. I appreciate how good friends Adam and Lana are to you. I enjoy Adams videos and subscribed to your channel tonight. Great job.

[@OneEyeCustoms]

@Mark Knister Thank you for subscribing! I hope you enjoy the channel and variety of content.

[@davidedwards3734]

Thanks for the video!! We all need to slow down and be more alert of our surroundings. Stay Hydrated and Have a Safe Day

[@willr88]

Thanks FOR THE CANDID INFO ON THIS. and thank YOU Andy FOR TURNING ME ONTO ANOTHER CHANNEL! (problem w/ caps lock and no edit) Straight path-> Outdoors with the Morgans-> Hometown Acres-> One Eye Customs (neighbor Doug). Great tips for garage, etc. I'm sure this channel will grow quickly for you.

[@chiparooo]

Thanks for sharing your story. Definitely not something that you would ever think could happen. I hope it will keep someone else from injuring themself. Hearing your story and others makes me really think before doing something. I’m big on safety and taught my kids early to wear all the different protective equipment they should have for the task at hand. We have all still had some mishaps, but nothing serious. Yard work, sports, shop work, chemicals all need to respected for the dangers they entail. Thanks again for sharing!

[@OneEyeCustoms]

You are very welcome, stay safe and have fun!

[@jeffpeters1014]

Good PSA for eye protection. It’s the unforeseen things that get us. Keep well.

[@007darryl]

Brother Doug, you are truly a blessed man. And with a wife like yours, who sticks with you; your double blessed. Kiss that woman often. Take care..

[@ronwig7665]

Hey Doug ,great video by the way. A young girl was talking on cell phone while driving, turned in front of me hit me head on. My left knee hit the dash and shattered my knee and broke my femor, now I got a surgal steel plate with 14 screw. On the plate and knee, which my left leg is shorter than my right ,because of the shattered bone had to be cut, I am sorry for lost eye, your sight is more important than a leg

[@OneEyeCustoms]

That is horrible! Hope you are doing much better!! Life happens very quickly some days, enjoy every one of them that you can! Stay safe out there!

[@carlfondelheitiii2742]

Doug, Sorry to hear yr story but glad yr are sharing it as well. This is good content to warm people as we get laxed in our daily chores. Good to see you in Adams videos as well. Carl FONDEROSA FARMS MD.

[@greghomestead8366]

Thanks for sharing your story. I did look away from the eye picture. Have a Jesus filled day everyone Greg in Michigan

[@HillsideAcres]

Had an accident with bulldozer fan three weeks ago had first surgery so far, sucks being out of commission, but I’ve came to the realization that accidents happen it wasn’t a matter of if but when. At least some day with more surgeries my hand will work again🤷‍♂️. Good story here and good reminder to slow down at times.

[@frijoli9579]

This was a tough video to watch. Thank you for your candor.

[@stonyacres7389]

Oh boy…. I’m sorry for what you went through, but appreciate and thank you for sharing. I’ve thrown rakes and shovels in my bucket and in the cab as well and wouldn’t have thought about that.

[@jeffpicken5057]

Thanks for the video, Doug. I’ve got a lazy eye, so know a little of what you speak, especially the statement about making sure you protect that good eye. I had some issues with the good eye where I had to have shots to prevent small blind spots from growing that started to form. That was a scary time not knowing if it would get worse and I might lose the sight in my good eye. I also took the end of my ring finger off on a miter saw while finishing off my basement. Yeah, stupid mistake, but you can’t dwell on it and stop your life because of it.

[@Alan_Hans__]

I thought that I had lost my eye years ago while mowing. I was running around the yard on a ride on and a branch from a shrub flicked back on me. The branch broke off and went inside to check the damage in the mirror. Fortunately the twig that was stuck in my eye wasn't actually in my eye but was between the eye and eye socket. I removed the twig and other than a reasonably scratched up eyeball that was sore for a number of days I was fine. I have had stitches in my right eye twice when I had pterygiums removed twice about a year apart around the same time as when you had your incident and your surgeries started. I look after my peepers a lot with always wearing safety glasses religiously. I need my depth perception and having an eye out of action even for a short time is a major nuisance. Losing the vision in 1 eye would entirely change what I could do with work.

[@OneEyeCustoms]

Thanks for sharing your story!

[@Alan_Hans__]

Thanks for entertaining me (even if 1 video was a tad gory).

[@michaelmacdonald7342]

As soon as you said it happened with your skid steer and you had a shovel, I knew, I have worked on offshore drilling rigs for 29 years and have seen a few bad injuries, Yeah your right, have to stop and think about how to do a job safely.

[@davidsnyder2345]

Thanks for sharing, Doug. Truly inspirational how you responded to such a life chaging event and didn't let it stop you from living life on your terms. For future videos, I'm interested in your path to success - the story of how you started your own company and how did you make the life you have now (and be in a position to financially support it)

[@erraticrockacres4798]

Thank you for sharing! In 2004 at 32 yrs old, I lost my left thumb from being careless and rushing. That minute I might have saved was surely not worth it. PS- that garage time Q&A at Hometown Acres was one of my favs ...keep up the great videos stay safe everyone!!!

[@kipcudd7253]

At least you still function well. And have learned to adapt. I know it's not perfect but you're living a pretty good life and your spouse backs you in everything you do. A real blessing. Keep on keepin on!

[@tamaraforinash2199]

Hi Doug. After all these years I never knew how you lost your eye. You are very lucky you didn’t get hurt worse. I want to thank you for all your help you gave me when I lost the sight is my eye. I still hear you telling me to protect my good eye at all cost. Thanks Doug

[@OneEyeCustoms]

@Tamara Forinash Thanks for watching and thanks for the comment! Hope all is going well with you and your family! Maybe we will cross paths again at some point!

[@gilesy7169]

Wow you don’t have to be dead to be stiff!!! Thanks for sharing and hopefully everyone that hears your story just takes that bit more care and wear those glasses or goggles 👍

[@rickthelian2215]

I’m glad your okay, but great to share for other’s to learn how serious safety is. Rejection of transplants is unfortunate but you where lucky to get another but sorry no sight. You learn to live with your limitations. Thanks for sharing.

[@LongBinh70]

Eleven years ago my wife woke up and her left eye was swollen shut and painful. We made an appointment with her eye doctor, who attempted to open the lid and she screamed in pain (normally very stoic). He sent us immediately to Yale/New Haven about twenty miles away. ER docs marked the edges of redness/swelling with a marker and would come back in an hour to see how far it had spread. The first assumption, of course, was that I beat her! But that was quelled quickly. By the next morning she was prepped for surgery and I met with the Chief of Infectious Disease. Tests showed she had Necrotizing Fasciitis, also known as Flesh-Eating bacteria. The first surgery involved removing her eyeball (dead and grey) to prevent the disease from following the optic nerve into the brain and killing her. Following surgeries involved lifting her scalp to flush out the bacteria with antibiotics. Then filling the socket with muscle tissue from her temple, then putting a flap over that comprised of cadaver donor tissue and skin grafts from her leg. I got to spend weeks at home changing dressings between surgeries, pulling out and filling the socket with bandages. You can't believe how deep a human eye socket is until you've seen it! Anyway, she's still an excellent driver, although traffic overtaking on the left would startle her, so we got her a Volvo that has blind spot warning. Her prosthetic is a silicone pancake with a somewhat-flat glass eyeball embedded in it that she glues on each morning. The technology to make that came from Hollywood monster movies! During one of the follow-up visits to her eye surgeon the doctor had a worried look on her face. The night before another woman presented to the ER with the exact symptoms that my wife had. The difference, like your case, was that the woman first went to her local hospital and they referred her to Yale. The delay was enough that the woman died on the operating table.

[@OneEyeCustoms]

@LongBinh70 thank you for sharing your story!! Thanks for watching and tell your wife, I said hello and hope the best for her as well as you!!

[@jeffwhite2107]

Part of all that made my eyes sweat I’m sure it took a long time to adjust. At least you’re lucky to be alive

[@ronelsen6585]

You seem to handle it better than most would. I love watching your videos and learn so much from you. I think this injury hasn't slowed you down one bit. Keep up the awesome video's and your great sense of humor. We need more people like you. At least you can still know that you're done wiping your butt!! LOL.. Funny funny!!!

[@OneEyeCustoms]

Thank you! Yea, the butt thing is important!

[@Riverguide33]

Wow, Doug. Thanks for sharing your experience, and for allowing us to get to “know” you better. 👍

[@jjfore0921]

I swear, I was just thinking to myself, this demonstration needs toothpicks. Boom! Glad your ok bud. Thanks for sharing. You made an impact on me. Just hit up Amazon for some new safety glasses. You should add safety glasses o your online store!

[@57Dalv]

Great video and wisdom Doug. Keep the positive outlook on life as we all know it is too short. You are a Renaissance man.

[@momusicfan]

You are an excellent "one eye" storyteller. I enjoy your channel along with Adam's. Keep enjoying life and making memories and count your blessings. Wyatt McCubbin wrote a song, "I can't count that high". Check it out, we are so blessed. Thanks for sharing,...as I try typing with a tear in my eyes.

[@ddelano7408]

Hi Doug, Thank you for the explanation of how you injured your eye. It's amazing what can be done now medically to help people recover from an injury. My wife and I have medical issues so we jokingly call our trips to the doctors or hospital our quality time together. A loving spouse and/or good friends really help in the recovery process. If anyone out there knows of someone going through a hard time in their life, reach out to them and let them know you are there to help them. It will make a difference!

[@davestasts1173]

You know Doug you see more detail in what you do then most people with both of there eyes. I'm sure who ever see's this video will be encouraged even if there going through any difficulties either physical or mental. Thanks for posting this.

[@richhouk6274]

Thank you for sharing that story Doug. That had to be very difficult to go through. It was very touching. I’m glad you persevered.

[@dirkkelly9596]

Ok ya kinda creeped me out with that one. just recently found your Chanel and have enjoyed several of your video’s i know this could not have been easy to put together and honestly for sure was not easy to watch but I think you have done a great service. be blessed and you have a new sub

[@frankward67]

thanks for sharing a tough story. Your positive attitude is such a joy to watch.

[@nickanthony9467]

This was one of the most interesting videos I’ve watched on KZbin, I was absolutely glued to the tv for a half hour.

[@OneEyeCustoms]

Thank you!

[@markknister6272]

Wow. Not sure sunglasses would have helped at all except to have glass in your eye and face. Most of us have been fortunate to have missed injury by micro inches or seconds. You have overcome well. Thank you for sharing.

[@williamdavis922]

It's nice to see you have such a positive outlook after the injury Doug, I'm glad you keep on chugging along and do everything you choose to do!! I noticed the Bigdog motorcycle sticker on your cabinets. I love my Bigdog!!

[@bigbird8617]

Thanks for sharing , hopefully this helps keep someone safe. I wear safety gloves in most situations . I wish i took better care of my hearing the constant ringing is annoying. Love the channel , keep up the great work.

[@brucesnow3506]

Great approach. Great attitude. Solid message! Deal with the cards one is dealt. “Whoa is me” … does not get us anywhere!

[@rayperoni4142]

Hello Doug,I'm sorry for your eye.Your are a great guy interesting to listen to.Keep on the good work ,you are on the right track.

[@MIGHTYX2010]

Thanks for the info, lesson learned. That's a wicked accident, stay safe.

[@foreverbrownsfan]

Appreciate you sharing a tough story that may help us all be better at protecting our vision. I had two failed corneal transplants in my right eye, but third surgery was successful. Just a couple of months ago, an old stitch worked its way out after 3 years. 😉

[@ModernCountryLiving]

Yikes! Thanks for sharing and thanks for expressing how we need to slow down and think and use PPE. We all get lucky until we aren't. Be well!

[@CliffsideStables]

Thanks Doug for sharing more of YOUR story. A great lesson for all of your viewers to think through what we are planning to do. For the rest of your story it would be interesting to know about your career…outside of KZbin. THANKS for sharing all of your “there has to be a better way” ideas!!! Tim in northern TN

[@fishnsled]

Thanks for sharing your story. I've had several laser surgeries to keep my retina attached. I have a condition called lattice degeneration. It's been stable for a few years now and just regular check ups are needed so far, fingers crossed. I'm in the process of putting together my workshop, safety glasses and dustpan/broom will be at every work station thanks to your videos. Cheers!

[@Swamp-Fox]

Thanks for sharing your story. Makes me even more aware of always wearing my safety glasses.

[@python3574]

A little off subject, and unfortunately comes at your expense, but anybody who is operating a skid steer should take this as an opportunity to evaluate what they are doing on their skid steer. Especially those who are operating forestry mulchers, bush hogs, etc. Those forestry mulchers are dangerous, dangerous, dangerous! It is no problem at ALL for that thing to launch a piece of wood or a rock out the front at well over 100 mph, and that same piece ricochet off a tree or multiple trees and come straight back to the operator. IMO, it is flat out foolish to NOT have one of the ballistic glass covers or doors put on your skid steer if you are using attachments like this. On a side note, just this past week I drove by an area near our property and witnessed a complete idiot using a forestry mulcher to clear brush and small saplings from a roadside, and was launching all of the debris towards, onto, and ACROSS the entire road. Unbelievably stupid. I hate to sound like a Karen but I felt like I had no other choice but to call the sheriff dept and request they go out there and stop that idiot before something very bad happened. As it turns out, they were already on the way, having already had SEVERAL calls.

[@thomaslecour2462]

Safety glasses will be a priority for me moving forward, god bless and thank you so much for sharing

[@OneEyeCustoms]

Thanks for watching and the kind comment.

[@homesteadcourt7861]

On a positive note, you got a great business name and youtube channel name out of your injury! Great story, timely and thank you for sharing. Found your channel tonight and just subbed. Will be running the excavator in the woods tomorrow (firewood and slash pile time) - front window up and door open for air. I've never worn safety glasses when operating and just put my arm up, duck, etc. as branches brush thru. Same with the dozer. I'll be wearing safety glasses from now on! Here's to knowing when it's time to stop wiping your butt. ;-)

[@scruffysanta8442]

Must have have been a tough story to relate. Thanks for sharing, hopefully it makes someone else think about what they are about to do and it saves them an injury or worse. Glad to hear your positivity on the situation.

[@glennspreeman1634]

I lost my right eye in 1969 when a drill bit popped and fine shred of that steel went thru and became infected. Came real close to killing me. learned how to adapt for depth perception still using shadows, etc.

[@artofogre3555]

OMG, I watched you a bunch on Hometown Acres and glad to sleep you with your own channel. God bless brother.

[@OneEyeCustoms]

Thank you!!

[@andrewsander5971]

I was almost in the exact same situation you were in about a year ago. I had a broom in the cab of the skid steer and obviously it was an open cab machine. I saw the broom fall forward and thought the cross member would clear it and it didn’t. The handle snapped and came shooting back at me and thankfully hit the brim of my hard hat and missed my face/eye. I got very lucky and learned to never do that again and it’s worth taking the extra 5 seconds to step out of the cab and put the broom in the bucket.

[@dougsweldingfabrication953]

Doug... Thank you for sharing your experience. Lesson learned.... SLOW DOWN, and Take Your Time. Think things through. I've had several close calls over the years, and am thankful I haven't been injured. I'm glad that you made it through this and are here to create videos.

[@OneEyeCustoms]

Thank you!

[@daviddelaney5180]

Thanks for sharing! Lost an eye January 31, 1983. About 39 years ago. Your video demonstration was excellent!

[@Booker58]

What a positive out look on life, I wish you all the very best.. Keep up the good work keep the videos coming I really enjoy them. Looking forward to seeing more.

[@rogerhuber3133]

Long before you started your channel I enjoyed watching you help Adam with his projects and always thought you had a great positive attitude about things. I appreciate you going over such a horrible event in your life to let us know just what happened. I'm terribly sorry it happened to you but fortunately it hasn't held you back any and you still are enjoying all the great tools, equipment and projects you like. I thought there was some industrial accident that happened and a law suit provided you with a large payout looking at the huge quality home, property and amount of tools. Do you own a construction business? Thanks, again and God bless you!

[@jameslennon5330]

Thanks Doug great video. I am the same age of you and I had a detached retina in my right eye in 2010 , it was hard when it happened but I adapted and it has not held me back but it is still a bit awkward if I am in a crowd not seeing anything on my right side. But hey at least I still have one eye. Keep up the great work and great videos

[@jobygochoco2731]

you do more than people who have complete faculties.....more power to you and God Bless

[@johng.4959]

Oh man... I listened to this entire video and felt so terrible that this happened. Brought back some memories for me when I was a young man and an accident knocked-out four of my teeth. What is chilling is that it could have been an eye. Hard to think about really. I'll be it's still difficult to express that feeling... Well... the GOOD PARTS are these: You have a wonderful wife and family and you have been blessed having them. And... you have reminded me to always wear my safety glasses!! So yes Doug, THANK YOU. Thank you for telling us your story. We can always look back and see another outcome...but this is the way things worked-out. Love your channel and your work! Best to you and your family!

[@zachary3777]

It's pretty amazing what modern medicine can do. Makes you glad you come with two, doesn't it,