Strabismus

Reed's eye appointment was this morning. We found out that he has Strabismus, more specifically Congenital Esotropia (the most common type of strabismus in infants). This means that his eyes are misaligned and at any given moment on or the other is turned off. This impairs visual attention, depth perception and motor skills.

The solution? Surgery.

It is better to perform the surgery at as young of an age as possible because the brain circuits for vision are more adaptable early in life. It is an outpatient procedure with minimal risks and a quick recovery, but Reed will have to undergo anesthesia. During the surgery they will reposition several eye muscles. Stitches will then be applied to help reposition these muscles. The stitches will not need to be removed as they will just eventually dissolve. In many cases a 2nd surgery is needed again at some point within the next year or two.

Reeds surgery is scheduled for May 13th. Yes, this is a Friday so it's a good thing I'm not superstitious :)  We won't be given a time until the day before (this is common with children's surgeries). He will have it done at St. Louis Children's Hospital. It's so nice to have a nationally ranked hospital right here in town. Provides at least a little piece of mind.

I know it's common and the doctor performs this surgery so much he could probably do it with his eyes closed...but I can't help but worry for my little sweet pea. I'm trusting that the Lord will take care of him and reminding myself that our God is an AWESOME God.

I'm also so glad that my Aunt Cindy was able to move her schedule around to be with me at the appointment this morning. Tuesdays and Thursdays are crazy work days for Dane and there just wasn't enough of a heads up for him to request off, so she stepped in. She asked the doctor some really good questions and encouraged me that this is certainly what is best for Reed in the long run.

As a part of the appointment, Reed had his eyes dilated.

As always, prayers are appreciated.