Recently, Josie's right eye has started to turn inward when she tries to focus on something in front of her. We took her to the pediatric opthamologist and we learned that this condition is called Strabismus. According to the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, 20-60% of individuals with Down syndrome have eyes that are misaligned (Strabismus).
Instagram followers may recognize this photo from our recent opthamologist visit. Both Josie and her chicken got really cool eye patches during the exam:
The solution for Josie's type of Strabismus is glasses, so this morning we set out on a little road trip to be fitted with a stylish pair of specs.
As soon as we walked into the optic center, Josie began excitedly pointing out her favorites:
There were so many choices and they were all so darling!
It's a good thing a surprise visitor showed up to help us make our final decision! Mama Hop even brought balloons to help us celebrate Josie's induction into the glasses club!
Sadly, Aunt Leanne couldn't come because she had to work. She's responsible like that!
While this isn't exactly like the pair we chose, it's the most similar. We will have to wait 7-10 days to receive the actual spectacles that are being custom made for Miss JoJo.
Josie's opthamologist highly recommended a brand called Miraflex because they're virtually indestructible - and that's important at our house!
Little Bit even got to try on a pair. Couldn't you just eat her up?! She looks so studious!
After we took care of business, we all went out to lunch.
Merryn's latest obsession is "Cheers!" She insists upon doing it before every sip. Josie plays along for the most part...
Overall, it was a fun and productive day! We can't wait to see the final result. If anyone has any tips for encouraging kids to keep their glasses on, we'd love to hear 'em!
Special thanks to Mama Hop for joining us on our optical adventure!
I found with my son, that we had more issues keeping his glasses off him (once his strabimus was corrected). He only needed his for a couple of years. He had no issues adapting to the bifocals (seem to adapt much easier than I have been). Not sure if having a mom that wore glasses helped him want to wear his or if it was just he noticed a difference (in a good way) from wearing them. They say that if the glasses fit properly the kids are more willing to wear them. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with all this! Great to read your posts! Your family makes me smile!!!
ReplyDeleteOh very cute..Amalia at 8 months had eye surgery because of the strabismus. But now that she is two, her left eye is a bit lazy and the opthamilogist advice glasses but that is not working for Amalia she shakes her head No.
ReplyDeleteYou ladies keep upping the cuteness over there! Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteWe started out on Miraflex too, and they are incredibly sturdy! We found that keeping the lenses super clean was what made the most difference for Pacey. We actually buy eyeglasses cleaner and keep little bottles all over the house so they can get frequent shine-ups.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with Merryn not being too jealous. My daughter DESPERATELY wants her own glasses but alas her sight is perfect for now :)
You may find that you have no trouble with her keeping her glasses on if they really help. However, what I do at school with preschoolers who get new glasses is to only put them on them when I am close at hand so that I can make sure that they do not take them off. Then if you are going to let them go play without your one on one supervision, take the glasses off of her. This way she will get the idea that only you and your husband are allowed to take her glasses off and that she is not allowed to. Keeping them really clean and making sure they fit properly also help a lot.
ReplyDeleteLisa
The little scholar.
ReplyDelete