OpenHealth Q&A

Navigating My Toddler's Recent Vision Diagnosis

Today, I took my 15-month-old son to the optometrist after noticing some strange eye movements that had been concerning me. This behavior began around his 8-month mark, where I observed his eyes drifting side to side in a manner reminiscent of someone experiencing dizziness. Initially, the movement was subtle, but as time went on, it has become significantly more pronounced, particularly when he attempts to glance at objects from the corners of his view; he struggles to maintain stillness or focus. Even when looking straight ahead, his eyes occasionally drift sideways before stabilizing, particularly when he is trying to focus quickly. At first, I didn’t think much of these movements, as they didn’t seem to interfere with his daily activities. I hadn’t observed any associated issues with vision, balance, or neurological function. I brought this to my family doctor’s attention during his one-year checkup, where she suggested it might be nystagmus and deemed it likely benign since no other symptoms were present. However, she recommended a comprehensive eye examination, which I arranged for today. To my surprise, the optometrist indicated that my son has severe far-sightedness, requiring a prescription of +7. According to him, the nystagmus may be a result of my son's brain attempting to adapt to his poor vision, suggesting that wearing glasses might help alleviate the eye movement over time. Feeling taken aback by this diagnosis, I realized I didn’t have the chance to ask many questions during the appointment. After discussing with my husband, we both felt a bit doubtful. Apart from the eye drifting, my son hasn’t displayed any signs of significant vision impairment. He readily identifies objects in books and is adept at picking up tiny crumbs from the floor. If his eyesight were genuinely that impaired, wouldn’t we have seen other signs? While I acknowledge that some level of vision correction may be necessary, the prescribed +7 seems excessive. We opted to postpone getting glasses today for a more thorough discussion, although the optometrist emphasized the urgency of procuring them. Luckily, he referred us to an ophthalmologist for a more detailed evaluation, but since we reside in Canada, we're facing a wait of over six months. In the meantime, we’re uncertain about how to proceed regarding the glasses, and I have a few questions: a) How reliable are eye exams conducted on young children? My son was quite fidgety during the exam, and I’m curious about how accurate the results can be at this age. b) If we do decide to obtain glasses promptly and the prescription turns out to be too strong, could there be any negative effects from him wearing the stronger lenses for several months? Conversely, if we delay getting glasses until after the ophthalmologist's consultation, would that present any risks? c) Are there additional avenues we should consider for addressing his nystagmus? I want to ensure we are exploring all possible options before moving ahead with this recommended course. For context, my son weighs around 26 pounds, measures approximately 32 inches in height, is of white descent, and has no other medical issues or medications in our household. We also avoid smoking and drugs. I appreciate any advice you can share!

Answers (1)

3/18/2025, 4:01:21 AM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to feel overwhelmed by your son’s recent vision diagnosis, especially when it comes to terms like nystagmus and farsightedness. Let's address your concerns step-by-step, focusing on what you can do in the meantime until you see the ophthalmologist.

Main Points:

1. Accuracy of Eye Exams in Young Children: Eye exams can be reliable, but they may also have limitations, especially with fidgety toddlers.
2. Considerations Regarding Glasses: Quick decisions about glasses should be weighed against the possibility of over-correction and delays.
3. Exploring Nystagmus Management: There are strategies to consider for managing nystagmus.

Explanation:

a) Reliability of Eye Exams: Eye exams for young children can sometimes yield mixed results due to their limited ability to communicate and cooperate fully during the exam. Factors such as fidgeting can affect the accuracy of refractive error measurements. However, trained professionals typically have methods to gauge vision in young children effectively, so while there's variability, the optometrist’s assessment should not be discounted outright.

b) Pros and Cons of Getting Glasses:

• Immediate Glasses: If you choose to get glasses now, a prescription of +7 could potentially be stronger than necessary, and while it may help in focusing, significant over-correction can lead to discomfort or headaches. Watch for any signs of distress or refusal to wear the glasses.
• Delayed Glasses: If you decide to wait for the ophthalmologist's consult, your son might experience some visual discomfort due to his far-sightedness in the interim, which can contribute to the nystagmus. This might be uncomfortable but typically does not lead to permanent issues in a young child.

c) Addressing Nystagmus: Nystagmus can sometimes improve with visual correction (glasses) if they help stabilize vision. Other approaches may include vision therapy or occupational therapy targeted for eye movement issues. Always discuss these options with a specialist.

Next Steps:

1. Monitor Your Son's Behavior: Keep an eye on any changes in his visual habits, such as increased eye movement or squinting, and note anything unusual.
2. Consider Setting Up a Follow-Up Call: Reach out to the optometrist for clarification on the prescription and potential doubts you might have; it’s important to feel informed.
3. Weigh the Options for Glasses: Decide if you want to obtain glasses now. If you proceed, introduce them gradually and watch for any signs he may not be adapting well.
4. Prepare for the Ophthalmologist Visit: Jot down all observations, questions, and any behavioral changes related to his vision to discuss at your upcoming appointment.

Remember, you are your son’s best advocate. Trust your instincts and seek clarity as you navigate this process. If you have further questions or need clarification, feel free to ask!