‘Saying thank you
is just not enough’
Alicia Linde was 16 years old when she was diagnosed
with glaucoma. Suddenly, as a high school student, she
was thrown into a world of eye tests, doctor visits and
the prospect of losing her sight in just a matter of years.
“It was very hard to feel normal at that age when
you’re dealing with a disease often attributed to older
patients,” Alicia said. “On top of that, when I received the
diagnosis my doctors were certain that I would be blind
by the time I was 30.”
In an effort to keep her eye pressure under control
and deter major vision loss, Alicia has had more than
60 ocular surgeries and other courses of treatment.
Despite her decreasing vision and frequent trips to
the eye doctor, she persevered and graduated from the
University of Northern Iowa. After college she went on
to become a statistician and eventually settled down
with her husband and daughter in Aurora.
Unfortunately, due to the repeated stress of the
surgeries and an allergy to some drops commonly used
for patients with glaucoma, Alicia’s eyes continued
to weaken. For years she saw a team of specialists
at Wheaton Eye Clinic who worked to keep her eye
pressure under control and alleviate persistent retinal
and corneal swelling.
“My doctors are the most caring group of incredible
individuals I could ask for,” Alicia said. “Even with a case
as difficult as mine they continue to fight for me and
my sight.”
Eventually the combination of ocular issues became too
much for her cornea to handle.
“In November 2015, I was having enormous difficulty
seeing,” she said. “I even wound up having to take a
leave of absence from my job.”
With severely impaired vision, Alicia’s life was turned
upside down. She forfeited daily pleasures like reading,
calligraphy and cross stitch. Even taking the stairs or
watching TV were insurmountable obstacles.
“I suddenly realized how much we use and rely on
sight,” Alicia said, “and, even more, how much we take it
for granted.”
In April 2016, after months of waiting and efforts to
control her retinal swelling and other symptoms, Alicia
received a cornea transplant with the help of Dr. Anna
Park and Eversight Illinois.
Today, she’s back at work as a statistician in downtown
Chicago and regains more of her independence with
each passing day.
“My cornea donor returned my life to me, and
I will be forever grateful and strive to do right
by them,” Alicia said. “Without this transplant, I
would still be sitting at home feeling hopeless. It
is so humbling to know that someone could be so
selfless and generous as to do this for a stranger.
Saying thank you is just not enough.”
Fall 2016 | V I S I O N | Page 7