Spectacles...

As most of you may recall we took Bryant to see a Pediatric Opthamologist back in 2011 after his speech therapist strongly recommended he had a condition called Strabismus.  We went to that Dr. who confirmed that Bryant didn't suffer from Strabismus that it was his facial structure causing it to look as though his eye(s) was turning in or crossing.  After that appointment we just left it at that and trusted that his diagnosis was right. 

BIG MISTAKE!!!  Honestly, I never felt like that Dr. had a clue what he was doing with Bryant or that he knew what Strabismus was.  But again, what do I know...I'm not a Dr., I'm just a concerned parent.  Bryant does indeed suffer from Strabismus.  While the Strabismus isn't AS noticeable now as it was then...it does continue to occur which impacts his daily life. 

In addition to the Strabismus, Bryant also experiences what is called Nystagmus.  I have mentioned this in a previous post as well.  Nystagmus is involuntary eye movement...where his eyes shift rapidly, horizontally.  This has also seemed to decrease in frequency, but still occurs. 

While Bryant continues to do well with his therapy; speech and OT, I continue to feel like something just isn't quit right.  His OT received a letter in the mail from a Dr. just starting her practice here in Roswell.  Miss Brittany (OT) strongly recommended we look into seeing this Dr. as she was a Developmental Optometrist.  Who knew?  Kinda cool title if you ask me. I knew she would know what Strabismus was because she spoke of it in her letter.  I called this week and we were able to see her today.  While this Dr is fresh out of med school and has only been running her practice for a month she is still way better than the Dr. we saw before.

Bryant did as well as one would expect at the Dr.  It was A LOT of work, but we made it through the appointment and found that Bryant needs glasses to help with his Vision.  What we see isn't strictly defined by 20/20...It is also how our brain processes or interrupts what we see.

Bryant's glasses will not be like the glasses I wear for nearsightedness.  Bryant's glasses will be prism lenses.  He is to wear the glasses when playing or doing tasks that are close up.  These lenses are to help reduce eye strain and fatigue.  Bryant's right eye is stronger than his left eye...hence carrying a load supporting what he sees and what his brain processes.  He should no longer have to tilt his head.  That is a symptom of Strabismus and Bryant has had a head tilt for a long time.  Miss Brittany is working with him on drawing shapes and using scissors (both of which are very hard and challenging for B).  I hope that the glasses will help with his hand-eye coordination and these skills will improve over time. 

We went shopping for glasses this afternoon.  We didn't make a choice as I want Bryant to pick his glasses and today wasn't the best day.  I am hoping for better luck tomorrow as  I am anxious to get them and see how much of a difference they make.  HE IS SUPER CUTE in glasses!!! And I am not just saying that because he is my baby.  He really looks good in them.   I will post pictures if he will let me take some while shopping tomorrow. 

More to come on this subject...