Paula Lefkowitz's journey with Fuchs dystrophy began in the early 1990s.
“I've had vision troubles all my life and one of the big problems I have, which is not necessarily helped by this, is my vision varies tremendously,” Paula said. “You could test me now and five minutes from now. It'd be different.”
As a librarian, Paula was used to reading and noticing the smallest details, making the diagnosis particularly daunting. Over time, her vision troubles became more pronounced.
The progression of her condition led to multiple visits to ophthalmologists and optometrists, each visit revealing more about the severity of her eye issues. Paula's vision varied so much that she often had to change her eyeglasses every few months.
“That was my whole life,” she said. “But then it reached a point where the glasses didn't help. If I tried to use my eyes too long, for example, for driving, it would blank out and I wouldn't see anything at all.”
Yet, despite the fluctuations and challenges, Paula remained resilient.
The struggles and triumphs of multiple surgeries
Paula has undergone an astonishing number of eye surgeries to manage her condition.
"It’s upwards of 14 surgeries," she said, although the exact number is uncertain.
These surgeries included detached retina repairs, cataract surgeries, glaucoma surgeries, and numerous cornea transplants.
Her vision journey is not only about the physical challenges but also the emotional and mental fortitude required to face each surgery. Despite the frequent surgeries, Paula's spirit remained undeterred.
"What choice do you have? You have to have hope,” Paula said. “Being depressed isn't going to help the situation. You just have to do whatever you need to do to make it better, if you can.”
The impact of cornea transplants on Paula’s daily life
Each cornea transplant brought about a significant change in Paula's life.
“My right eye is blind,” Paula said. “It has been blind for a long time, but when I have a new cornea, as I just got in the right eye, I actually get some vision back, which is very nice.”
Paula’s most recent full-thickness cornea transplant occurred this summer and has already made a profound impact on her daily life. Tasks that many take for granted became possible again.
“I'm supposed to be walking, but I’m in a very hilly community and it has no sidewalks, and the streets are narrow, and I can't take the chance to walk because I can't see anything,” Paula said. “After surgery, I can usually see well enough that I can walk alone, which I cannot normally. That's a big difference.”
Paula's vision improvements allow her to engage more fully in her community and enjoy activities such as reading and knitting. Paula and her family have found ways to adapt to a life with limited vision.
“I have a dark green countertop and my knives have black handles. If I put a knife on the counter, I can't find it,” she said. “One of my kids figured out that if you put different colored masking tape around my knives, I could see them.”
Paula adds that occupational therapy has helped her recovery tremendously, but there are still certain times when seeing is vital.
“I went to the store and thought I had a pear, and it turned out to be an apple,” she said. “They don't always like you touching it, but if you can't tell the difference you need to touch it. So, getting that vision back makes an enormous difference. You can't always tell everything by hearing or by feeling. Sometimes you just have to see it.”
The unwavering support of Stuart: A pillar of strength
Throughout this journey, Paula's husband, Stuart, has been a constant source of support. They have been married for 60 years, and his dedication is evident in every aspect of their lives.
"She can be somewhat independent," Stuart said, acknowledging the balance between providing support and encouraging autonomy.
Stuart's role is crucial, especially when Paula's vision is compromised.
“She depends upon me for walking and driving,” he said. “She doesn't drive anymore. But even now, every time we're getting out of the car and coming to a curb, I say, ‘can you see the curb?’ And when she lacks the vision, I have to make sure she doesn't trip.”
His attentiveness and care ensure that Paula can navigate her surroundings safely.
"Although she's using a cane now, for a hip that's bothering her, it's a question of being as independent as possible within her limitations," he said.
Honoring eye donors: Paula’s message of gratitude
Paula's gratitude for her eye donors and their families is profound.
“Thank you. You made a difference to me,” she said. “Your family member is still helping the world. That's important. I feel strongly about that.”
She often reflects on the importance of eye donation, urging others to consider becoming donors in her daily conversations and on social media. Her heartfelt messages highlight the life-changing effects of such donations, not just for herself but for countless others in need.
“It gives me a chance to pay back, to make a contribution to the world that I could not, if I didn't have a new cornea,” she said. “It enables me to live a much fuller life than I could.”
Each donor's gift has a significant impact on Paula’s life, enabling her to continue contributing to and enjoying her community. Paula and Stuart enjoy going to museums in their area, but in the past Paula felt that there’s no point in her going because she can’t see.
“I can't tell you how frustrating it is as a museumgoer to get there and realize you cannot see anything. I'm sure there's a wonderful painting over there, but I can't see it. There's only so much someone can describe before you need to see it yourself. The cornea transplant makes a huge difference. It gives me a life I wouldn't necessarily have, and that's a good thing,” Paula said.
Paying it forward: Paula's commitment to helping others
Paula's resilience and gratitude extend beyond her personal experiences. She is committed to using her regained vision to help others.
"I not only knit for myself, but I also organize other people to do it," she said, describing her efforts to provide hats, scarves and mittens to local charities for the homeless population in her area.
Her contributions to her community are driven by a deep sense of responsibility and compassion.
"I feel very strongly that as a member of the human race, I have an obligation to share what I know and what I can do with other people and if I support Eversight, then they can help other people as well as me," she said.
Paula's story is a testament to the power of generosity, resilience and hope. Each cornea transplant not only restores more of her vision but also renews her ability to give back, making her journey an inspiring tale of enduring spirit and gratitude.
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