Ophthalmology Update

We went back to see Truitt's lovely Ophthalmologist last Thursday. It was finally time to get those VER (Visual Evoked Response) results.

She had nothing but wonderful things to say about his test results, obviously while taking into consideration his brain injury and diagnosis of Cortical Vision Impairment. We knew the results wouldn't be perfect, and perfect they weren't. But for our Truitt, and reading his less than ideal medical history on paper, the results were impressive.

He DOES see with those two beautiful little eyes! How much, we don't know. But sweet heavens, he can see!

I knew he could see, but we were never really sure. Since he has never made good eye contact and doesn't always track objects, we knew something wasn't right. As his mom, I often questioned if he could see us, or if he was just seeing shadows or something of that sort, opposed to actual objects and people.

That is what the VER was able to tell us about his vision. He is processing what he is seeing, he can indeed make out objects, and can also tell a difference in colors. Incredible! He showed great responses to lights, and had even greater responses when sounds were associated with a visual stimuli. So you know those crazy annoying toys that play music light up and are all kinds of very bright colors? They're right up his alley! Dr. McGregor recommended toys that do all of those things to help attract his vision to the toy, in hopes we can help him improve his vision. It is possible for kids with CVI to improve their vision over time, but the key is working with them and providing them the tools to best achieve that ultimate goal.

Dr. McGregor also explained that Truitt was not 100% attentive during the test. Far from it. She didn't give me an exact percentage, but this is also very common with CVI, so nothing unexpected. It is highly related to mood, comfort, alertness and other factors. This helps explain why Truitt makes the most eye contact, as in once or twice a week, first thing in the morning. Within minutes of him waking up. He also seems to see better in dim lighted areas, and when it is quiet.

Another finding during the VER is that Truitt sees better in both eyes together than he does each eye individually. That is typical for all people, disabled or not, and especially typical for kids with CVI. So that was no surprise. Also, there should never be any reason for him to only use one eye at a time anyways, unless he were a pirate...but he is not. Ha!

I am so happy with the results. So thankful to finally be able to understand his vision a little better, even if it isn't perfect or useful right now. He will get there, if we help him and give him time. All that matters is he can SEE!!! No matter how little, anything counts in the Sankey house!