Everyday objects and routine activities often go unnoticed for their potential dangers until tragedy strikes. For Daniella Abreu, a 24-year-old woman from Stuart, Florida, a seemingly ordinary walk with her dog turned into a life-altering event. After losing her eye to a retractable dog leash, she’s now speaking out to warn others. Through her story, Daniella is raising awareness about the unforeseen hazards of these common pet accessories.

A Routine Walk That Changed Everything

On August 7, 2023, Daniella Abreu was getting ready for her usual evening walk with her 60-lb husky, Blu. Typically, she opted for a sturdy rope leash, knowing the strength and size of her dog. But that night, her regular leash was too frayed to use, so she reached for an old retractable leash, never imagining the consequences it would bring.

As they strolled through the neighborhood, Blu spotted a rabbit and lunged after it. Daniella instinctively pulled back, trying to hold him back. In that split second, the friction from the leash caused it to snap back, with the handle striking her directly in the eye. “It happened so fast, but I knew it was bad immediately,” she recalls. “The force of the leash was so traumatic, I thought I’d lost my eye right then.”

The Immediate Aftermath

The force of the retractable leash handle left Daniella’s face covered in blood. Despite the pain, her adrenaline kicked in, allowing her to rush home, where she collapsed into her mother’s arms. “I’ll never forget the look on my dad’s face—he was terrified,” Daniella shares. Her parents quickly called for an ambulance, and she was rushed to a trauma center in Fort Pierce, an hour away.

Doctors determined she had suffered a fractured orbital bone, a detached retina, and a lacerated eyelid. The trauma to her face was so severe that it looked “caved in,” as Daniella describes. She was given stitches and prepared for emergency surgery in Miami. “I was preparing myself for the worst, but it was still a shock when they confirmed I’d be permanently blind in my right eye,” she says.

The Long Road to Recovery

The journey following the accident was anything but easy. Daniella underwent a total of four surgeries, each one a step closer to healing but a painful reminder of her loss. After several months of physical recovery, she learned that the damage to her eye was so severe it would need to be removed. In June, she was fitted for a prosthetic eye, which she received in August.

Adjusting to life with a prosthetic eye has been challenging for Daniella. In addition to her vision loss, she experiences dizziness and has trouble with long-distance vision. However, she finds strength in her journey, saying that the prosthetic has helped her regain some of her confidence. “It’s a long road, but I’m finding my way,” she shares.

Using Her Story to Warn Others

Daniella has taken to TikTok to share her experience and raise awareness about the dangers of retractable leashes. She highlights the risks that can come with using these devices, especially with larger dogs. “People don’t realize how quickly things can go wrong. I want others to learn from my story,” she says. By sharing her journey, she hopes to prevent similar accidents, encouraging pet owners to opt for rope leashes that offer better control.

Another Hidden Danger: Contact Lenses and Water

Daniella’s story is not the only one that brings attention to hidden dangers. In Austin, Texas, another woman’s life took a drastic turn due to a common habit: wearing contact lenses in the shower. After experiencing eye irritation that persisted for weeks, she was eventually diagnosed with Acanthamoeba Keratitis (AK), a rare and aggressive infection caused by amoebae commonly found in tap water.

The infection required her to undergo 82 doctor visits, spend thousands of dollars on compounded eye drops, and endure one major surgery. Acanthamoeba, found in almost all water sources, can penetrate the cornea and potentially lead to blindness or eye loss. The young mother, who contracted the infection while pregnant, was shocked to learn that even something as simple as a shower could lead to such severe consequences.

A Cautionary Tale for Contact Lens Wearers

Reflecting on her experience, she recalls, “I had been wearing contacts since I was 12, and no one ever told me not to swim, shower, or use hot tubs with them in.” She now uses her platform to urge others to avoid water contact while wearing contact lenses and to be aware of the risk of Acanthamoeba infections.

Hidden Dangers in Everyday Life

The stories of Daniella and the young mother from Austin serve as stark reminders that even the most routine objects and activities can carry hidden dangers. Both women have become advocates, sharing their experiences to educate others about the potential risks associated with seemingly harmless items like retractable leashes and contact lenses.

By using social media to share their stories, they hope to reach a wider audience and help people make more informed decisions. Their experiences underscore the importance of understanding the products we use and the potential consequences they may bring. Daniella’s choice to share her story has resonated with pet owners around the world, while the Austin mother’s warnings have shed light on a little-known but dangerous eye infection.

Conclusion: Awareness Can Save Lives

Daniella Abreu’s life changed forever due to a retractable leash, and the Austin mother now lives with the effects of a rare eye infection. Their stories serve as powerful reminders to take precautions, especially with items we often take for granted. From retractable dog leashes to the simple habit of wearing contacts in the shower, these seemingly innocent choices can have serious consequences.

Through their advocacy, both women encourage us to be more mindful of hidden risks and to educate ourselves about the products we use daily. Their journeys reflect resilience, strength, and the hope that by sharing their experiences, they can help prevent similar tragedies for others.