Chase's 18-month check up is just a week away and, as always, I have my list of questions/concerns compiled that I want to discuss with his pediatrician. Along with questions about when Chase should begin seeing the dentist, when we should start thinking about potty training, and whether or not it's okay that he isn't so good at eating with a spoon/fork just yet, my primary concern is his vision.
For the past couple months I've noticed that occasionally his eyes roll up into his head, or cross for a moment. I usually observe this in the rear view mirror when I'm driving home from work in the evening, or once we're settled inside and he's playing before bed. I've also noticed it on weekends when his nap is due. So I'd like to think it's just an idiosyncratic, reflexive motion maybe indicating that he's tired. It doesn't happen often but, when it does, it's a little strange and a lot disturbing, and I'd really like to rule out the possibilities of something serious.
Of course, social media mom that I am, I did my internet research. Now we all know that sometimes this does more harm than good. I read several moms' accounts of this very same problem and, incidentally, it was happening when some of the babies were tired. But a few moms did consult with their pediatrician, who recommended the baby going to see a neurologist for CAT scan (YIKES) or making an appointment to see the ophthalmologist. Well, after reading these very alarming stories, I called Derek up all teary from work, ready to rush Chase off to the nearest emergency room. He was able to gently assuage (and validate) my fears and, after I was calmer, we discussed less drastic alternatives.
I resolved that I'd discuss an eye doctor referral with the pediatrician at Chase's next appointment. My only hope is that when I bring this up he takes it seriously as, historically, he's been the type to brush off some of my concerns as new mommy paranoia. I'd likely have to push for the neurologist consultation (and maybe that's premature anyway) but definitely would like a referral to an eye doctor. You see, I have a history of terrible eyesight in my family… and so does Derek. So we both already assumed that Chase would be in glasses by elementary school age. I began wearing glasses in third grade. Derek started a little later, junior high school age. My older sister, on the other hand, began wearing glasses at the young age of three. So with Chase displaying these rather strange eye behaviors, coupled with the fact that one of his eyes seems a tiny bit unfocused at times, I'm eager to get the ophthalmologist's opinion.
I was reading an article called "The Eyes Have It" in Washington FAMILY Magazine and it really helped me understand baby/infant vision problems. One line in particular made me a little sad: "A child assumes that the world sees as he does, not realizing that everyone else sees the leaves in the trees, rather than large fuzzy green balls." I thought about how much Chase enjoys the outdoors, coloring, and reading books, and realized all the beauty he could be missing out on. This only further affirmed my decision to speak with his pediatrician about my concerns next week.
I've always know there must be a way to detect early eye deficits, but couldn't for the life of me figure how one would go about diagnosing this in a child who can’t yet talk, read an eye chart, or understand that they see differently? "The Eyes Have It" cleared up some of these questions, as it described some of the screening methods used for examining the vision of little ones.
Initial Screening (done by pediatrician)
- review the baby’s family history of vision problems for potential genetic issues.
- external examination of eyes and eyelids
- series of exercises, such as following a dot of light, to ensure that the eyes are aligned and the lenses are not blocked
Vision Testing (done by eye doctor)
- ocular photoscreening = measures a child’s visual reflexes and eye alignment. A preverbal child simply needs to fixate on the appropriate target for a few seconds for the photoscreening process to take place.
- Pediatric Vision Screener (PVS) = verifies the ability of both eyes to focus on a target at the same time. Kids between 2 and 4 years old with lazy eye or other issues can have the problem detected in this way long before they're able to tell us and in time for the problem to be repaired successfully.
So reading this article was pretty encouraging for me, and has certainly made me feel equipped for Chase's 18-month checkup. I'm going in now knowing exactly what I want for my son, and prepared to express very concrete steps I'd like to take to get there. His pediatrician is a pretty good guy so I don't foresee him trying to dissuade me or anything but, in the event that he does, I'll very politely inform him that I'm going forward with this with or without his seal of approval. After all, I'm the mom here and it's all about what I think is in the best interest of my baby!
Given your family history you are not being paranoid & if your instincts don’t agree with the first doctors assessment go back. My aunt still cries when telling the story about her grandchild (my cousin) eyesight. As they walked out of the store my cousin exclaimed “Oh wow everything is so bright and clear”…she didn’t know that things were not supposed to be fuzzy and blurry. The thought that her grandchild was walking around blind still makes her upset.
Great observation mom! Knowing family history as well as observing Chase is giving you a great jump on his vision if there is a problem. It’s unfortunate that some pediatricians are “the type to brush off some of my concerns as new mommy paranoia.” Any concern is a valid one and should always be addressed.
I was a toddler with glasses. I wore glasses at the age of 3. I def emphathize. I was so geeked to be able to see I wanted to sleep in my glasses. I hope that Chase doesn’t need them right away but..if two parents have terrible vision there is a greater chance of him needed specs
BUt he’ll be so cute in them anyway! Who cares! So glad you are being proactive! It can be scary but always go with your gut!
“My only hope is that when I bring this up he takes it seriously as, historically, he’s been the type to brush off some of my concerns as new mommy paranoia.”
that’s gotta be so annoying! but i’m glad u know to be assertive–doctor’s aren’t always right, they’re only human, and i’m sure you know that as a professional in the health field yourself! but from reading this, it DEFINITELY sounds like chase’s eyes do that because he’s tired! i think everyone’s eyeballs cast inward, upward, or downward right before they doze off. not to mention when you were a baby, u looked a little cross-eyed yourself. i’m sure it was exaggerated when u were tired, and chase is probably the same way. better safe than sorry though!
I am sure that things will be fine. Ziomara had an opthomologist dilate her eyes and look through them with this special light when she was in the incubator. It was so painful for us to watch. Her eyes are perfect so far. Old age is creeping up on me and I may have to wear glasses soon.
Thanks so much for writing this and providing such wonderful references. The hubby and I also come from families with horrible vision and I often wonder about how to spot the signs in Isaiah. As soon as I saw this title, I had to stop what I was doing and read this. So far, I haven’t noticed any signs but I am thankful to know what to look for. I will certainly add it to this list for his next check up! Oh and for what its worth, I always thought toddlers with glasses are pretty darn adorable lol (as if your munchkin can get any cuter). Good luck and good for you for being such an observant Mom!
Good thing for Chase is that we live in a time that technology can fix everything (if there is anything that needs fixing) I would like to know how it goes. My 13 year old had poor vision for years and I had no clue. It’s good to detect these things as early as possible. Good luck!