Eye/vision problems?

[lucycat]

Has anyone experienced problems with your DC's eyes? At our last WBV (6mo)the ped noticed that DD's right eye crossed in a little. She said she would check it again at our 9mo visit (which will be soon) and if need be send us to an opthamologist. So just wondering if others have gone thru this and what the outcome was. I heard from my SIL that DD might have to wear a patch- but that seems extreme- her eye doesnt seem to cross that badly to me-I would say sometimes it does but not all the time... but im no dr.TIA!

[Taurus]

If you do have it checked, do get a referral to a pediatric ophthalmologist. It is possibly nothing--two pediatric ophthalmologists have explained to me that many infant's eyes appear to turn in or "cross" when really it is an optical illusion because the tops of their noses are wide, and this effect will go away in time as the shape of their faces change. I am not an expert in this as my DS wears glasses because he is nearsighted, not because of any eye crossing. But lately one eye does occassionally turn upward, and we've now had it checked by both our pediatric ophthalmologist and one of the best in the region, (both experts in strabismus or eye crossing) who both told me the info above. Our ped ophthalmologist also told me that a good way to look for symmetry is if light is reflected in the same place in each eye. Anyway, look for the thread "children with glasses" in the Big Kids forum, since there are gals in there with experience with children with strabismus.

[NicoleWisconsin]

There are several reasons eyes can cross (eye, muscles, and disease are the 3 I know off the top of my head) and the treatment depends on the cause. Definitely have the consult with the pediatric opthamologist if the eye is crossing at all and they'll explain everything and if the patching is necessary, do it... and they'll let you know why (it makes perfect sense.)

[lucycat]

Taurus- Thanks Im going to check out that thread.
Nicole- We will def. do the patch if we need to - of course anything they reccomend we will do :) DH wears glasses so i wouldnt be shocked to hear DD needs to. shes just so young ya know! I cant imagine keeping glasses on her or a patch- she doesnt even like hats!LOL

anyone else with similar exp- please keep posting. I will update once we have our ped visit probably next week.

[lil_nance]

My DS is older, almost 2 1/2yr. He has strabismus in both eyes. DH and both of DH's brothers had it as children and had to have surgery. With DS, it was first noticed at our 9 mo WBV. Then we didn't really notice it until he was 2yr. We went to a ped. opthamologist in Oct. He got glasses and had to wear a patch for 2hr a day. The patch was to treat a little bit of amblyopia (lazy eye). He had his follow up last Wed. His eye sight is 20/20 but the strabismus will require surgery to correct. He has no problems wearing his glasses and tolerates the patch because he gets to watch TV while wearing it.

Definately make sure you go to a ped. opthamologist, our's is amazing. Much better and kid friendly even compared to our pediatrician's office. Also if you do need glasses, as the opthamologist for a recommandation of one who has a lot of experience with kids. As a pp mentioned, many children's eyes look crossed even if they are not due to facial structure not being fully developed. If there is a true problem early detection and treatment are the key to success.

[missy329]

I had some worries about my DD's eyes at around the same age. Are you aware of the InfantSee program? They give a free eye exam to babies under a year old. These are local eye Drs that participate in this program. There is a search feature on the website- http://www.infantsee.org/ I am very glad I took my daughter- the Dr. did find a problem but it was very easy to correct. Hope that helps!

[Taurus]

Definately make sure you go to a ped. opthamologist, our's is amazing. Much better and kid friendly even compared to our pediatrician's office. Also if you do need glasses, as the opthamologist for a recommandation of one who has a lot of experience with kids. As a pp mentioned, many children's eyes look crossed even if they are not due to facial structure not being fully developed. If there is a true problem early detection and treatment are the key to success.


Ditto to ALL of this!

The InfantSee program, while a great service provided by optometrists, does not utelize pediatric ophthalmologists. (BTW, there is a thread on the InfantSee program on this board, too...all filled with great experience from users, but it's just not the path I'd personally recommend.)

[lucycat]

Thanks everyone! I will check into the Infantsee program, but I think that our ped is going to refer us to a ped opthamologist if need be. I appreciate everybodys thoughts and help.

[Lvella43]

I didn't read thru the other posts, but we used an InfantSEE program doc and were soooooo happy. Our DS had a bit of a crossed eye too, but all was good and normal; it just took his muscles a little longer to develop as the cross is completely gone now. http://www.infantsee.org/