Memphis went to the eye Dr. last month for his left eye, we learned that Memphis has a Strabismus. Strabismus simply means the misalignment of the two eyes. If Strabismus goes unchecked, the misaligned eye sends blurred images to the brain. Automatically, the child's brain rejects the blurred image, and soon the child unconsciously stops using the weaker eye. A vicious cycle begins which eventually results in permanent loss of vision called amblyopia ("lazy eye"). Some of the tools to help Memphis are glasses, patching, and probably eye muscle surgery. Last month Memphis was prescribed glasses and given a referral to see a Pediatric Ophthalmologist (eye surgeon).
This month, today, Memphis went to meet with the Ophthalmologist and we learned several things. First, his glasses were probably not working since his left eye was still inward even with the glasses on. Second, he has very little if any sight at all in his left eye. Third, his left eyeball does not move all the way to the left side of his eye. The Dr. thinks that maybe one of the muscles in Memphis' eye is tight and the reason for not moving all the way from left to right. The muscle would be tight since he does not use that eye for sight. We have now started patching. Memphis has to wear a patch for four to six hours plus a day for six weeks. At the end of six weeks, Memphis will go back to the Dr. to find out if his vision has improved. The patch hopefully will improve Memphis' vision, but it will not change misalignment of the eyes. Once his vision is good in each eye, the Dr. will then begin to recommend treatment for realigning the eyes.
So what causes Strabismus? Six muscles attached to the outer wall of each eye control the movement and alignment of the eyes. The eye muscles are similar to the muscles in your arms and legs, only one-thousand times smaller and more delicate. The brain controls the balance between the eye muscles and links the two eyes so they move together as a team -- just like the front wheels of a car. The exact reason why an imbalance occurs in the brain's ability to lock the two eyes together is not fully understood. Not all of Memphis' eye muscles are working together as a team :-( they must not have gotten the memo. SO, this is Memphis' new hurdle in life. I guess there always has to be a hurdle?
Aside from this, Memphis is doing great! He is all over the rooms and into every drawer/cabinet keeping mom and dad super busy.
Feeding is still a major issue we battle everyday very slowly. Mom and dad have decided there is no reason for pushing the topic with Memphis he will eat when his is ready. We now just try giving little bits of whatever we have whenever and wherever we are. He also is still attending feeding clinic as well as getting OT therapy sessions. Mom is also still blenderizing his meals as well as giving some Complete Pediatric formula for more calories.
Ohhhh Memphis, What a wonderful little boy :-)
