Airdrie's Eye Appointment

Finally!
Six months after first finding out that Airdrie had possible eye problems we saw a specialist today!

Airdrie June 2014
8 months old

Airdrie had an appointment with the orthoptist at the Children's Hospital in Aberdeen. An orthoptist is basically a physiotherapist for the eyes. The specialist we met with was so helpful in discussing with us the problems our AirBear has with her eyes.



What is diagnosed informally as a "squint" or in more technical terms "strabismus" is basically when the eyes are not properly aligned. The outer muscles in Airdrie's eyes are weak causing her to not want to look side to side. Because her eyes seem equal in this we don't have a huge concern with one eye becoming more dominant than another. Patching is considered as a treatment as well as corrective surgery further in the future.

We then saw an optician who told us Airdrie has an astigmatism in her eyes that may or may not go away or change (my vote is "not change" as both myself and my mother have this condition, causing football-shaped lenses and very expensive contacts--thanks a lot mom...genetics, sheesh!). Glasses may be a possibility for her around 2-3 years of age.

Airdrie will go to the eye doctors to assess her vision regularly. It was determined she is not long-sighted (far sighted) and this is a good thing. Because Airdrie seems to be more near sighted it is not of concern for immediate treatment because a baby's field of vision mostly concerns what is right in front of them, not in the wild blue yonder on the other side of the street.

What a relief this appointment was! It was such a blessing to finally have this known issue be addressed. It was wonderful to hear the words from the Dr when she said, "She [Airdrie] really is quite visually alert."

A year ago this time I would cry myself to sleep each night in agony of not knowing whether the child I carried would survive. Each day takes us further into a future we never dared hope for Airdrie. Daily we praise God for her, for all our children really. Through the many trials in our lives, especially those concerning our children, we have come to have so much more of an appreciation for what precious, precious gifts our children are.

God is gracious beyond what we deserve.
Glory to Him to what He has done!

Psalm 145

I will extol you, my God and King,
    and bless your name forever and ever.
2 Every day I will bless you
    and praise your name forever and ever.
3 Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised,
    and his greatness is unsearchable.

4 One generation shall commend your works to another,
    and shall declare your mighty acts.
5 On the glorious splendor of your majesty,
    and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
6 They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds,
    and I will declare your greatness.
7 They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness
    and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.

8 The Lord is gracious and merciful,
    slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.