David and I took Elizabeth and Thomas to a pediatric opthamologist this past Monday because I have a family history of amblyopia. In the brochure given to me by the doctor, amblyopia is defined as "poor vision in an eye that does not develop normal sight during early childhood." It is caused by any condition that affects normal use of the eyes and visual development, and in most cases is inherited. The best time to correct amblyopia is during infancy or early childhood. My sister has this condition and was not diagnosed until around age seven (I think) and is blind in one eye as a result. She was told by her opthamologist that all of our children should be tested around 18 months of age.
Anyway, we took the kids in to be tested. Both Thomas and Elizabeth behaved really well. Thomas wasn't crazy about the eye drops used to dilate his pupils, but we got through it. The doctor was wonderful....so soft spoken, patient, and laid back. Luckily, neither Thomas nor Elizabeth has amblyopia. However, Elizabeth is extremely farsighted and will have to wear glasses. The doctor put a lens up to both mine and David's eyes to give us an idea of what Elizabeth sees, and I was shocked. It was so blurry I couldn't make out anything. He asked had we ever suspected she might have trouble seeing, but neither one of us had. She loves to run and play and loves, loves, loves to "read" books. The doctor prescribed glasses but only for half the strength she needs so that her eyes will learn to focus. We will go back in July so he can check her vision again.
Elizabeth was really cute while trying on glasses. She kept saying "glasses" and "Dada".....she wanted to show him each pair. Once she got tired of trying them on she would say," uh-uh" and shake her head. Now I just watch her amazed at the things she can do while not being able to see very well. I guess she doesn't know any better.....it is how the world has always looked to her. I am anxious to see how she responds to her glasses. My guess would be the glasses will reinforce themselves.....being able to see with them on will make her want to wear them. In my experience as a speech pathologist that has been the case with students wearing hearing aids for the first time. We will see what happens.
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9 comments:
Oh wow! I wonder how long it typically takes parents to realize their kids may have vision problems. I hope sweet Elizabeth enjoys her new glasses.
Hey Julia!
The doctor said at age two either E would try so hard to focus that her eyes would cross (hint for us to have vision checked) or she would give up (in which case we probably wouldn't have found out until she was three or four). Crazy, huh?
Gosh hope T & E had a treat for being good.Jimmy
They did, Uncle Jimmy....chocolate:)
The Best kind,Way to go Mom & Dad you know if you do not spoil them we will.Uncle jimmy
We miss you, Uncle Jimmy! Come see us!
My mom cried when she finally realized my sister, Mandie was moving so close to the television because she couldn't see...she was in the second grade! Her vision was terrible. She told me the other day she still remembers the first time she wore her glasses outside - it was the first time she realized trees had individual leaves!
She just had Lasik eye surgery two weeks ago and her vision is now 20/20! Isn't modern medicine wonderful?
I can't wait to see pics of Elizabeth in her little glasses! So glad she'll be able to see...just think how much she'll like books now!
Marria, I have to admit I was sad when I found out Elizabeth couldn't see. I'm so glad we have caught it early though. We are still waiting for her glasses to come in, and I am anxious to see how she responds to them.
Marria, I have to admit I was sad when I found out Elizabeth couldn't see. I'm so glad we have caught it early though. We are still waiting for her glasses to come in, and I am anxious to see how she responds to them.
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