Christy Carlson Romano Says She Still Suffers from ‘Birdshot Behind My Eye’ a Year After Firearm Accident Nearly Blinded Her

**Christy Carlson Romano Speaks Out on Life-Altering Clay Pigeon Incident**

Christy Carlson Romano, known for her role in “Even Stevens,” continues to navigate the aftermath of a harrowing incident that took place last year during a seemingly innocent birthday celebration for her husband, Brendan Rooney. While indulging in a clay pigeon shooting activity, the former child star was hit in the face by stray birdshot, an experience she described as “terrifying.”

In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, the 42-year-old actress revealed the severity of her injuries, explaining, “I was peppered with birdshot from about 250 feet away. I sustained injuries to the fat pocket under my eye as well as my forehead.” Despite the trauma, Romano remains deeply aware of how fortunate she is. She noted that small fragments of the birdshot still linger behind her eye, dangerously close to critical nerves—a situation that has led to ongoing fears about potential vision loss.

“When you’ve had children, you start to see life through an entirely different lens after experiencing something so traumatic,” Romano said, alluding to the two daughters she shares with Rooney. This incident has not only impacted her physically but has also altered her perspective on life and parenting.

Reflecting on the moments following the accident, Romano candidly shared, “I genuinely thought I might die.” She described the feeling of vulnerability that accompanied the incident and the subsequent recovery process, expressing profound appreciation for her life. Her oculoplastic surgeon had explained how precarious her situation was, noting that typically he sees eye injuries in children from accidents involving toys, not adults suffering from stray gunfire.

Romano recounted moments from the incident, saying, “I nearly survived a medical miracle. The birdshot landed in places that could have had far worse outcomes.” This extraordinary turn of events has inspired Romano to view life more fully as she embraces each moment with her family. “It has definitely taught me how to appreciate life,” she stated.

Her husband, Brendan Rooney, offered steadfast support, publicly acknowledging her bravery during this arduous time. In an Instagram post, he wrote, “You are the bravest, toughest, most stoic and badass woman I have ever met.” Rooney expressed immense gratitude for her survival, emphasising their family’s need for her presence.

The incident, which occurred early in 2025, has led Romano to reflect on the importance of safety during recreational shooting activities. She reported being struck by shots fired from another party who failed to adhere to proper safety protocols. “I was hit in five places, and one shot came alarmingly close to my right eye,” she noted during her initial social media statement.

In conjunction with her public discussions about the trauma, Romano has also chronicled her experiences in her memoir, *Once Upon a Trainwreck: The Rise and Fall of a Child Star*, which is now available for purchase. The book dives deeper into her life as a former child star, the challenges she faced in Hollywood, and personal stories from her journey to recovery.

Through these challenging times, Romano’s resilience shines through, and her reflections offer a poignant reminder of life’s fragility and the unforeseen impacts of accidents. As she continues to heal both mentally and physically, she remains focused on her family and the lessons learned from her traumatic experience.

As she adjusts to her new reality, Romano encourages discussions about safety, hope, and gratitude, reflecting a journey of not just survival, but a deeper understanding of life’s precious moments.