Barrett's Eyes Update

Last Thursday was Barrett's eye checkup.  Over the past month I have noticed some drifting in Barrett's eyes, but I second guessed myself...so I was anxious to hear the doctor's opinion.  The vision in his right eye has improved.  With correction he could read the picture labeled size 20.  (They start with big pictures at size 100 and gradually decrease the picture size and see if he can still tell them what the pictures are.)  With his left eye (with his glasses on) he could only see down to size 50 clearly.  She did notice that there was some movement in his left (weaker) eye and it was of some concern that the vision in his left eye had not improved at all. 

So.....we're back to patching/dilation drops.  She gave us the choice of patching his good eye THREE hours EVERY day or putting 1 drop of dilation solution in his right eye M-W-F.  The hope is that by making it so he has to use his left (weaker) eye, that he will strengthen that eye....holding it in the correct alignment and improving his vision.  When I asked him what he'd rather do he said he wanted the drops. I asked the doctor if there were any long term side effects of using the drop and she said they've been using them since the 1970's and haven't seen any side effects.  She said she has patients that have used them longer and more frequently than she's recommending for Barrett with no ill side effects.   

When you put one of the dilation drops in his eye, the blurry effect lasts from 12-24 hours.  The dilation of the pupil, however, lasts from 7-10 days!  So that means that his pupil will be dilated all the time now.  This also means that I really have to plan ahead for photo sessions! lol  I want to take the boys pics in bluebonnets today, so we dilated on Sunday but then have been patching this week so that his pupil won't be enlarged for pics.  He's ready for me to hurry and take the pics so he doesn't have to wear the patch anymore! lol

On Sunday we put drops in for the first time before his nap. When he woke up he came out of his room and said, "Momma? Before my nap I could see and now I can't see very well!" I told him his left eye would adjust in a few minutes and he asked to go get his glasses. When we were sitting at the dinner table Mike asked him to close his left eye and said, "Can you see me out of your right (the dilated) eye?" He closed his left eye and then said in a laughing voice, "You look like Mr. Potato Head!" Guess the drops are working like they're supposed to!

We go back in 2 months for a follow up.  She wants to keep a close watch on his eyes.  We want to strengthen his weak eye, but we also want to make sure that we don't weaken his right (stronger) eye in the process.  Your continued prayers are appreciated!