Many of you have asked for an update on Alex’s vision. If you missed it, we noticed Alex’s eyes weren’t tracking properly, like he was having trouble focusing or they weren’t moving at the same speed. Some might even call it a lazy eye or cross-eye. When I took him to his pediatrician to get checked out, he couldn’t read the chart when his “good eye” was covered. We were referred to a pediatric ophthalmologist, who gave him a very thorough exam.
We learned that the eye that was roaming was not functioning at all. The doctor said that his brain had just “shut off” to that eye and we needed to teach it to work again. That’s why it was roaming a bit, because it wasn’t being used. The short term plan is to patch the strong eye to make the weak eye work and restore vision. Six hours a day for six months. They armed us with sample patches and a schedule – put the patch on at 7 a.m. and remove it before nap time at 1 p.m.
You can see in the picture that Alex wears his patch during all of his normal activities, including riding his bike! I was happy the doc told us about the kid-friendly adhesive patches I could order online in cool designs, like this spider web patch that closely resembles Spider-man gear. I also ordered patches with flames and sports themes, but so far he’s only wearing the spider. I shouldn’t be surprised.
The first few days were tough for Alex. He
was limited in his activities because he couldn’t see well enough. He lost interest quickly during story time, he couldn’t run around or even practice his writing. Within a few days, however, we could tell a difference and he’s really seeming to be doing well now. As you can expect, it’s also been an emotional struggle for him (and us). Some days he just doesn’t want to wear the patch. We use a sticker chart to motivate him (the first time we’ve ever used one) – he puts a sticker on the chart each day after putting on his patch. Every 5 days he gets a special treat (like going to TCBY for a frozen yogurt) and every 20 days he gets a Toy. The novelty of the treats wore off quickly, but he is obsessed about the toys – attempting to negotiate what day he gets the toy, and putting the stickers further ahead on the chart (like right on day #20!). Yeah, I’m onto you kid!
I am also bringing Avery along to the next appointment for her an exam. Because this vision problem can happen with siblings as well, and I voiced concern about her, the doctor suggested we get her evaluated as well.
Both comments and pings are currently closed.
Marketing Mama® features articles on parenting as a working mom, health, family activities, cool products, my two adorable children and sometimes I even talk about marketing.
Thanks for the update! I'll keep my fingers crossed that things continue to progress. And how excellent that the patches are Spidey-approved. : ) We have our 3 y/o's first eye appointment coming up – I'm hoping she's not the next in a long line of women on my mom's side (including me) with eye issues – cokebottle glasses are no fun when you're a kid.
I'm glad things are going well for him. I can imagine that it is very frustrating for him, but hopefully it will pay off!
ok…very important question first…Where is there a TCBY? I must know!
I am glad that the patches are working well. My friends daughter wears hers for two hours everyday, to avoid surgery. Hopefully pathing will work with the young Spidey! lol
Hey, I didn't know anything about Alex's eye, glad that it may be resolved with a patch…
and look, he obviously is smart – moving the sticker ahead to day 20 and all
*Hope the dinner went well last night, I was thinking of you all.
Wow! Good luck with all this. Alex is a TOUGH kid and he'll be seeing amazingly with both eyes, SOON!
Thanks for the update. I was wondering how he was doing.
The biggest problem that my son faced when his eye was patched for over a year was the unwanted attention from children and adults. Everywhere he went he had to deal with constant questions. I understood the natural curiosity that would lead kids to ask, but the adults just floored me.
Patrick also wore glasses and eventually we found out about a lense cover that reached all the way around and hugged his face around the eye so he couldn't look around the cover.
Also, my son experienced skin irritation from the adhesive on the patches. We found lightly dusting the skin around his eye with baby powder offered some skin protection while still allowing the adhesive to hold.
Good luck!
Mary
How is all the vision stuff going? This picture is sweet…what a sweet girl!
Alex is in my thought!