Strabismis

We have known from the beginning that Andrew would have some vision issues. We also found out that Kathlena has them too after being seen by our pediatrician (we suspected this in Russia too). Both children were diagnosed as strabismis in Russia but Kathlena's was not noticeable.


What is strabismus? Well here is what I have been researching and have come up with.


Strabismis-Symptoms Typically it is when the eyes move in different directions (crossing) but can also be less noticeable...eyes are straight but the child will tilt his head to see and likely run in to things because of depth perception problems.


Strabismus-treatment Simple explanation of possible treatments available. We will know more after our visit to the Pediatric Opthamologist next Mon. for both Andrew and Kathlena.


Amblyopia This is what is sometimes called lazy-eye, wandering eye and characterized by loss of vision due to the brain compensating through the other eye that is straight or stronger. Thus making it more of a neurological issue than muscular although usually they go hand in hand. Another good article explaining Amblyopia also has some great pictures of corrective surgery. Possibly to a degree what Andrew has...we are waiting for our Pediatric Opthamologist visit on July 21st to know for sure. Amblyopia-Exams and Tests what to expect. Hypertropia is a verticle drift which we see in Andrew's left eye mainly when he is looking up at you.



Nystagmus Uncontrolled movement of the eye usually from side to side. Also, characterized by a head tilt to compensate for the "null zone" This is generally thought to be genetic. Nystagmus Spasmus Nutans is a form that occurs generally between 6 mos. and 3 yrs. but resolves itself from age 2 to 8. Possibly what Kathlena has...would explain the head tilt issue that has been with her since birth. Albinism, "Albinism is the name given to a group of inherited conditions in which there is a lack of pigmentation (colour) in the eyes (ocular albinism) and often in the skin and hair as well. This causes most people with albinism to have a very fair, almost white, appearance, although in some people albinism affects the eyes only. People with albinism find their greatest problems arise on sunny days and in brightly lit environments. Virtually everyone with albinism has nystagmus", Understanding Nystagmus Again, only my limited knowledge of surfing the net and connecting some vague dots...we hope to know more specifics after our P.O. Dr. visit.


An interesting article on Vision and Learning. He even references poor nutrition(over consumption of processed foods and sugary sweets, sodas etc.) as one of the causes of visual problems in children. Hmmm...quite interesting info.

We are praying for a clear diagnosis and that the Lord would direct our steps(Psalm 37:23) to the best solutions to help Andrew and Kathlena function the best visually. We appreciate your continued prayers as we continue to grow their trust with us, developing good communication skills and seek to do what is best for them. I will update next week what we find out and give more specifics for prayer...thank you for lifting us up.

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1