Kaitlyn's Eyes

I always knew there was a good possibility that Kaitlyn would develop Strabismus estropia, crossing of an eye(s).

My oldest Brady developed it, the crossing of his left eye, at age 2 years 9 months. At the time we were devastated, not only did we find out that he had SE but we also found out he was very farsighted. I was in denial. How could he be so farsighted and I didn't know. But the specialist was right, and after a few attempts at finding him the right eye glass prescription, which was quite costly, the crossing of Brady's eye became corrected (with his glasses on). It averages yearly that Brady needs new glasses. As he gets older he cooperates during his exams better and they get the prescription right on. As of now there isn't any reason to think Brady will need surgery to correct the problem, his glasses are working, and eventually (fingers crossed) he won't need his glasses for the SE and if he chooses he can wear contacts for the farsightedness.

Kaitlyn...

We were told that the average child has a 1:100 chance of developing SE. Once a child has a sibling with SE their chances are 1:20. SE is also common in children with Ds. Which brings us to little Kaitlyn. Due to Ds and having a sibling with SE we have been prepared for her to develop it. At her wellness check last month the doctor asked if I had seen any crossing and I hadn't. Sometimes you can look at a child with Down syndrome and it might appear their eyes are not evenly aligned, but due to the wide bridge in their nose, at times it can look this way.

Well over the last 2 weeks I've started noticing some crossing...ugh! I questioned it at first, but over the last days it has gotten really bad. I'm so sad!!! It is in both eyes and is quite frequent. I shouldn't be upset, I know with all the medical issues children can have it isn't a big deal. But today it feels like a BIG deal. Oh how I wish she could have been a little older, I would have settled for a toddler, but an INFANT!!!!!

Brady's glasses have always stayed on, we get him the cable temples, and he has always wanted to wear them. It is uncomfortable for his eye to cross, giving him double vision and headaches. As he has gotten older he really has been able to verbalize how it feels. I worry about Kaitlyn being so young (little), how will I keep glasses on her face, we can't even keep a head band, or bow in. I've read up on it some on the Internet, I shouldn't be self diagnosing I know, but with Brady I feel pretty confident. It said online that SE in infancy often requires surgery...ugh! We will see what the doctor has to say......

Has any one had any problems with their babies eyes? What glasses did you choose? Any advice?