Hi,
some intro
my 2yo daughter has been diagnosed with intermittent exotropia (strabismus). We've seen an Ophthalmologist and her instructions were to patch her "good" eye for 2-hour daily until the next review 4 months from now.
We've been patching for 2 weeks and i've researched intensively on this subject and also talked to people who have experienced this medical condition themselves or have children who did.
What i understand is there are 2 conflicting schools of thoughts
1. Ophthalmologists (Medical doctors/surgeons)
2. Optometrists (eye care providers, some provide vision therapy)
While i have alot of respect for specialist doctors (Ophthalmologists-lets call them OPs), Vision therapy believers are saying OPs are great at treating eye diseases, but they are NOT the subject matter experts in treating vision problems like strabismus.
And OPs usually just do patching. And when that doesnt work, they will resort to surgery. I've read mix views on strabismus surgeries even from some who experienced it first hand. Many end up doing a 2nd or more surgeries as the effects wear out. And some claim surgery are more cosmetic than anything. It doesn't fix the vision. Strabismus patients seem to have problems visualising 3D and depth. Some even claim they cant see steps on a flight of stairs as it appears flat to them.
I've joinned a FB group where there are some very PRO-VT(vision therapy) members. They stand by the effectiveness of VT and claims that it has changed lives. I've done some research, there seems to be 2 companies which does VT in SG. One of which is iGard. I've gotten some advice from Mr Yap the in charge at iGard, a search online shows that he does have very credible credentials. But somehow i still cant make myself believe that VT is some miracle pill...One reason is the high cost which i may not be able to bear and the way they (the pro-VT FB group, not Mr Yap) pushes it to my face like "your missing out if you dont try VT"
Im really confused as to which path to take. Right now im still trying out patching as instructed by the OP. Patching itself is scary too, i've read it worked well for some. But for a few, it could worsen the condition by making the eyes not able to work together.
I just want to make the best decisions for my girl.
Right now, my current game plan is to try out patching for a couple of months while finding eye exercises/games/toys i can do with her. I've tried letting her play dough (advised by a fellow parent who's 4 children had similar issues) and also a "pick out the pairs" card game i thought of. Also looking for toys like stringing beads etc
If the OP were to suggest surgery, i guess i will put it off first and try out VT.
Anyone has similar experiences to share? It will be extremely helpful to me. Its sad that i knew absolutely nothing about this condition until it struck my baby girl. I just want to do whatever i can to help her.
Thanks in advance!
some intro
my 2yo daughter has been diagnosed with intermittent exotropia (strabismus). We've seen an Ophthalmologist and her instructions were to patch her "good" eye for 2-hour daily until the next review 4 months from now.
We've been patching for 2 weeks and i've researched intensively on this subject and also talked to people who have experienced this medical condition themselves or have children who did.
What i understand is there are 2 conflicting schools of thoughts
1. Ophthalmologists (Medical doctors/surgeons)
2. Optometrists (eye care providers, some provide vision therapy)
While i have alot of respect for specialist doctors (Ophthalmologists-lets call them OPs), Vision therapy believers are saying OPs are great at treating eye diseases, but they are NOT the subject matter experts in treating vision problems like strabismus.
And OPs usually just do patching. And when that doesnt work, they will resort to surgery. I've read mix views on strabismus surgeries even from some who experienced it first hand. Many end up doing a 2nd or more surgeries as the effects wear out. And some claim surgery are more cosmetic than anything. It doesn't fix the vision. Strabismus patients seem to have problems visualising 3D and depth. Some even claim they cant see steps on a flight of stairs as it appears flat to them.
I've joinned a FB group where there are some very PRO-VT(vision therapy) members. They stand by the effectiveness of VT and claims that it has changed lives. I've done some research, there seems to be 2 companies which does VT in SG. One of which is iGard. I've gotten some advice from Mr Yap the in charge at iGard, a search online shows that he does have very credible credentials. But somehow i still cant make myself believe that VT is some miracle pill...One reason is the high cost which i may not be able to bear and the way they (the pro-VT FB group, not Mr Yap) pushes it to my face like "your missing out if you dont try VT"
Im really confused as to which path to take. Right now im still trying out patching as instructed by the OP. Patching itself is scary too, i've read it worked well for some. But for a few, it could worsen the condition by making the eyes not able to work together.
I just want to make the best decisions for my girl.
Right now, my current game plan is to try out patching for a couple of months while finding eye exercises/games/toys i can do with her. I've tried letting her play dough (advised by a fellow parent who's 4 children had similar issues) and also a "pick out the pairs" card game i thought of. Also looking for toys like stringing beads etc
If the OP were to suggest surgery, i guess i will put it off first and try out VT.
Anyone has similar experiences to share? It will be extremely helpful to me. Its sad that i knew absolutely nothing about this condition until it struck my baby girl. I just want to do whatever i can to help her.
Thanks in advance!