Strabismus, exotropia, amblyopia

[ZeeMommy]

Posting here, hoping that a lot of people will be able to see and respond.

 

Daughter has been diagnosed with all three of these.  She's been to ophthalmologist many times, and has had one series of vision therapy.  At her last eye doctor appointment it was suggested that she might need surgery to correct the strabismus.  Her eye was apparently turning in during the exam.  Glasses will not help. 

 

No problems with her ability to learn or read.  She was somewhat clutzy before vision therapy but that improve afterwards.  She has a tendency to hold everything close to her face when she reads or writes.

 

Will post more later - we have another appointment with ophthalmologist today, will get more details.

 

Thanks to everyone in advance!  :)

[umsami]

I had surgery when I was 3 for all of the above.  Prior we had done patching and games with the letter E.  Made a gigantic difference in my life as I was bumping into things.  Even with surgery so young, I still have one eye that is stronger.  I have trouble looking in microscopes too.  The vision test at the driver's license office is hell for me because of that too.  

 

DH is an ophthalmologist and says that there is a window of opportunity to do the surgery.  The younger the better, paraphrasing…but...especially with amblyopia…because it's harder for the brain to recognize/use the weaker eye the longer you wait.  It's a tough balance between patching/wait and see and going ahead, but as your DD has all three, IMHO surgery makes sense.  There's also all the teasing that will come from the exotropia regardless of the other two.  Patching will not affect that.  It's the length of the muscles, and the only fix is surgery.  Good news is that it's an easy surgery/outpatient.  When I had it, I had to stay in the hospital.  My Mom actually wrote a little coloring type book for kids having surgery back when I had it.  If you'd like, I can try and send you a copy.  (Although it's dated…with the anesthesia mask…and staying in a hospital children's ward overnight. :))