DD might have Amblyopia (Lazy eye)

Halen0804

We're taking DD (2y4m) to a pediatric opthamologist tomorrow morning to be evaluated for Amblyopia (Lazy Eye).   DH and SIL both have a mild form of it.  We notice it in DD when she is tired.  The scheduling person said the evaluation could take 1.5-2 hrs. 

Has anyone had their child evaluated for Lazy Eye?  How long did the initial appt take and what type of tests did they do?  I'm just trying to plan for how to keep DD entertained and happy while stuck in a dr's office that long. 

Megan.Swenson

My Lo has the opposite problem. (Strabmismis) too strong. We went in when she was 1yr. Did not take that long though. We were in with the actual doc for about 20 minutes. They look into the back of the eye, Make them follow some items around with their eyes. Cover each eye and do some measuring.

MaxandRuby

Is it amblyopia (lazy eye) or strabismus (eye crossing or wandering - the eye(s) can wander inward, outward, up, or down)? Strabismus can lead to amblyopia.

DS2 (3yr) has been wearing glasses since 10mos old. He has strabismus in both eyes (the eyes cross intermittenly inward but not at the same time), a stygmatism in each eye, and is moderately to severely farsighted.  He had eye surgery for the strabismus about 3mos ago.

His initial exam was at least an hour long. i don't remember the full length but it was probably 1.5-2hr long. We checked in, doctor brought him back and looked at his eyes a little bit, dilated the eyes, waited back in the waiting room for 30min while his eyes dilated, then the actual pedi ophthalmologist called us back and did a thorough eye exam, and then we got the results (what he found, prescription for glasses, etc.).  I'd bring a snack, a drink, and something for them to do in case there isn't much for the kids to do in the office. For us,Angry Birds on the phone or the Leap Pad is a great way to for him to pass the time away while waiting for the doctor.

groovygrl

The dilation is what takes so long, if you go to the eye dr regularly you know about that but if you don't, basically tehy do some stuff, then put drops in to dilate the pupils, then you have to wait in the waiting area for the dilation adn then go back in for more exam.

I'm sure it all depends on your LO. DD has mild strabismus in both eyes & like your LO, it is generally only noticeable at the end of the day/when she is tired. I took her in at age 2 the first time & thankfully her vision has not changed in either eye.  They have lots of tools & toys for them to look at so they can track vision/eye movement, depending on how verbal your LO is, they will show eye charts with pictures (at 2 they did not do that for DD but at 2 1/2 they did), they use a crystal for something I'm not quite sure about, they cover the eyes individually to see how they track, etc. Usually LO will sit on your lap so you can help her hold still and obviously if she is at all scared. My DD has been 4 or 5 times & always does a good job but she is pretty good at sitting still. I cannot even picture my DS going through the process, it would be a nightmare LOL. 

While waiting in the waiting area, I bring my ipad and they have a few toys and whatnot. I also play 'i spy' with her and we look around the room and find things etc. It is not too bad really. 

GL!

(also since DD's vision did not change and hers is minor, we only have to patch 1 hr per day right now, for almost a year now, in case you're wondering about options...patching, glasses & surgery I think are the main treatments if any are needed)

diana.filipi

Our nephews lived with us for several years and the youngest had lazy eye.  He ended  up having to wear an eye patch.  He also was diagnosed with a sight deficiency so it was glasses and an eye patch.  I think he wore it for 2 years and then was done with it.