Strabismus

We were first introduced to this word at Gage's 9 month doctor appointment. At Gage's 4 month check-up we told the pediatrician, Dr. Lillpop, that Gage's left eye turned outward first thing in the morning and throughout the day when he focuses at a distance. He said it just takes a while for eye muscles to develop and not to worry. Well, he said the same thing at his 6 month and finally at our 9 month appointment Dr. Lillpop saw it for himself. He made an appointment with an ophthalmologist for the next week. We found the specialist, Dr. Krah, to be very thorough and by the end of the appointment, he came to the conclusion that Gage has perfect vision (thank goodness). However he also has Exotropia Strabismus. Exotropia is a common type of strabismus which the eye turns outward. Neither glasses, exercises, or patching will help this type of stabismus. Surgery is the only option. Of course I went right home to start my research and let it sink in that Gage will undergo surgery. So here we are, 5 months later and last Friday Gage had eye muscle surgery on both eyes. We had to be there at 7:10 am and Gage's surgery was to take place at 8:25. The morning went very smoothly and Gage was such a trooper. Dr. Krah had to correct both eyes at once which is what really worried me. He told us that normally he would have to take the whole eyeball out but not with Gage's type of strabismus. He made a small incision in the tissue covering the eye so he could see the underlying muscle. He then cut and repositioned the eye muscles so they are connected the correct way. Dr. Krah said that he would (and did) overcorrect Gage's eyes because in the next 6 weeks, his muscles will slightly relax. So by overcorrecting, even though Gage will be cross-eyed at times for 6 weeks, he will be less likely to have this surgery later in life.

We are just so thankful that Gage will soon (in 6 weeks) see and look completely normal and he is back again to his busy little body!