31 For 21: Patching Things Up

Grace has a new accessory, just in time for Halloween.

We went to the ophthalmologist today for a follow-up to Grace's surgery last May.  Grace had eye surgery to correct her nystagmus, which caused her eyes to shake in certain head positions.   The theory behind the surgery is to disconnect the eye muscle and reattached them so the brain is tricked into a new null point.   In other words, instead of correcting the nystagmus by tilting her head to a position that her eyes are steady, Grace should be able to look straight ahead with no problems while some of the head tilt positions would cause the eye shake.

Jenni and I have noticed a few things since the surgery.  Yes, it seems like her nystagmus is less severe but Grace is now tilting her head the other way.   We were concerned the surgeon might have "overcorrected" the issue.  Also, Grace's right eye will now wander up and out on occasion, especially when she's tired or laying down.

The ophthalmologist believes Grace's right eye muscle was always weaker than her left and, maybe the surgery magnified that, maybe not.  She says that could also explain Grace's new head posturing, which allows Grace's left eye to do all the heavy lifting.   So the doctor felt it best to put a patch over Grace's left eye for an hour a day, everyday, for the next three month, to strengthen that right eye muscle.  

We had no idea how Grace would do with wearing a patch and of course, we'll go easy on her for the first few days, putting her in front of the TV, the iPad or a book, which will keep her mind off the patch.

Of course, as soon as we put the patch on today, not only did Grace tolerate it, but someone else wanted a piece of the action.

We're hopeful that the patch will get that darn right eye to stop misbehaving.   And of course, we're excited about any possible solutions that don't involve surgery.