Thursday, March 26, 2009

Verdict...

Have you ever had a sneaky suspicion about your child's health but been reassured by someone with a degree behind their name that nothing was wrong?
Recently Liza has been having issues in school. Her grades dropped drastically in a six week period. She was acting out a lot in class and during homework. A select few have suggested a behavioral disorder from time to time but upon an informal assessment nothing suggested we should pursue a diagnoses or medication.
Since Eliza was about two I noticed one of her eyes in pictures would be slightly off center, usually her left eye (upon looking thru all these pictures I have noticed she has had this problem longer than that). I have addressed the issue a few times with various Optometrist during eye exams, but nothing showed up. So I just ignored it.A few weeks ago Liza had a school concert. The room mom noticed it, and pointed it out to her teacher. After the concert her teacher pulled me aside and gave my the name of a developmental optometrist and suggested I take her in.
Sure enough! Liza's eyes don't track together. It isn't a lazy eye, it is a lack of muscle coordination the Dr explained. It is easy to fix and usually cured within six months. She explained that often it causes kids to act out when asked to focus because they can't. In order for her to read a whole sentence she must adjust her eyes several times and it can be frustrating. It can be very tiring if your eyes aren't working together on that particular day. There is one other kid in her class that had a similar diagnoses and has corrected his problems in three months. His mother said it has changed who he is now that he isn't spending as much energy on using his eyes.
So next week we return to the Dr's office where we will be teach me home therapy routine to do daily to help strengthen the coordination between the two eyes. We will see her after a month and she will see if that has helped any. If it has improved we can avoid eye therapy in house (a costly ordeal). So heres to hoping it will improve her eye sight and that I don't go grey trying to fit in therapy everyday ;P

7 comments:

Ruby in the Rough said...

Wow, I'm glad someone finally led you in the right direction! I can't imagine what it's like not to focus.

Andi and Cade said...

That is so interesting. Thank you for sharing it, as a teacher I love when there is a simple explanation for a child's frustrations! Good luck.

Mayzie said...

That is fantastic that the "cure" isn't invasive at all. It's kind of neat looking at the pictures and seeing that's it's always been around and NO ONE noticed it!! Weird. Good luck with everything! Keep us posted!

Cansas said...

Mom's are always right. Aren't we blessed to have that motherly instinct. Gavin had eye problems too, and after failed attempts at patching we decided for surgery. He's great now. It sounds like Eliza's problem is a bit different than his was. Good luck with everything!

Cassia said...

That's crazy! What are the odds? What a relief someone with the know-how noticed and pointed you in the right direction! Good luck!!

Unknown said...

It must be such a relief to know what is going on. And that it can be corrected! Best of wishes!

Aunt Suzi Quilts said...

I am so glad you were able to find this out sooner as opposed to later. Elyse couldn't see well at all in 1st grade and it was like she missed the whole year. Good of you to pay attention to things and for that other mom for saying something. I can't imagine Liza not doing well in anything. She is so energetic. She'll be focusing in no time!!