Caroline - Ophthalmologist

Caroline had her first visit with the ophthalmologist today.  We noticed a while back that Caroline would move her eyes back and forth, but just brushed it off to her trying to focus.  After she turned three months, I became more concerned.  I googled, found video and explanations of what it was and became instantly depressed.  Google mentioned brain tumor, sedation for MRI to rule to tumor, blindness, and a host of other nerve wrecking information.  Thankfully we had Aubrey's 2 year appointment a few days later and I was able to speak with the Dr.  I told the doctor I thought she had Nystagmus and she agreed.  She didn't seem too concerned, but didn't take it lightly either.  So, I had not clue what to expect.

Caroline's ophthalmologist dilated her eyes to see if the nerves were attached correctly and to get a rough estimate of her vision.  Her nerves are attached correctly and she can see.  She does have nearsightedness, but that is normal and supposed to occur in infants.   She does have Congenital Nystagmus. Apparently, when nystagmus is diagnosed in infancy, the child does not notice the movement in their vision related to the movement of their eyes.  However, if you or I got Nystagmus as an adult, it could impair us.  She will potentially develop a null point.  A null point is basically a positioning of the head and eyes that slows the nystagmus allowing her to have better vision.  If a null point develops and she starts positioning her head in one direction, we will then discuss surgery around 18-24 months.   We go back in 6 months (September) for a check-up.

Overall is was a pretty good appointment. It would have been better if they said nothing was wrong with her and I was just being overly protective.   I have read that it gets worse before it gets better and it is usually at it's peak around 3-6 months.  I pray that this is the case.  I just hate for her to be "different" because I know how cruel kids are these days.  :o(

 

 Here is my content Caroline right after they put the numbing and dilating drops in her eyes.  She was such a good baby!