A father has undergone surgical removal of his eyeball after a casual holiday pool volleyball game turned into a devastating accident involving a stranger's fingernail. Lee Cuthbert, a 46-year-old bricklayer from Leicester, was playing volleyball with his children, Mia and Charlie, in their hotel pool in Mexico when the incident occurred.
The Moment of the Accident
The friendly match quickly escalated as other holidaymakers joined in, creating a lively atmosphere. However, during a routine reach for the ball, another player accidentally caught Lee's right eye with their fingernail. The impact was immediate and severe, with blood streaming from the eye. Lee's wife, Rachael, 41, described the horrifying moment she inspected the damage.
"I gasped with horror as I saw his eye," Rachael recalled. "He told me one of the other players had caught him with their nail when they reached out for the ball. It dug in and slashed his eye right in the middle. I couldn't help but panic as I rushed to find help."
Emergency Response and Initial Treatment
Thankfully, a nurse was nearby and urged the family to rush Lee to hospital. Rachael stayed with their children while Lee's parents accompanied him for medical attention. The family had been enjoying a two-week all-inclusive holiday at the Mexican resort when the accident happened in October 2017.
When Lee returned the next morning with a large bandage covering his eye, Rachael learned the true extent of the injury. "It was stitched back together, but it was only temporary," she explained. "When the player hit him, his eyeball exploded instantly. Lee would never get his sight back and it took a while for him to accept this."
The Aftermath and Recovery
The remainder of their holiday was ruined as Lee had to remain confined to their bedroom, avoiding sunlight and water. Simple daily tasks, such as making a cup of tea, became challenging due to his impaired vision. A week into their trip, medical advice prompted the family to fly back to the United Kingdom for further treatment.
A year later, Lee underwent surgery to have part of his eye removed and replaced with a prosthetic. The result was remarkably realistic, which helped alleviate his anxiety about the appearance. "It looked so real," Rachael noted, highlighting how this positive outcome aided his emotional recovery.
Insurance Claim and Moving Forward
The family filed a claim through their travel insurer, who paid out £15,000 in compensation. This financial support helped them manage the costs associated with the accident and subsequent medical procedures.
Despite the traumatic experience, Lee has not been deterred from enjoying water activities. "He still loves snorkelling or playing water games," Rachael added. "He's quickly returned to my daredevil hubby." The family has gradually come to terms with their new normal, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a leisurely holiday activity can turn into a life-altering event, emphasizing the importance of safety awareness even in seemingly harmless environments like hotel pools.
