18 month old with odd eye movement

[monkey32]

Twice in the past week I have noticed odd eye movement in the left eye of my 18 mo DS. Once he looked up and behind when lying down on his back and his eye went off to the side. And then just now he was sitting in his high chair looking up and when he brought his eyes back to straight ahead it sort of got left behind for a fraction of a second.

He has missed his nap today and is pretty tired so I am wondering if that could have something to do with it. Other than being tired he is generally well in himself. Does anyone have any experience of this? I have heard a heart-wrenching story recently of a child who had flickering eyes which then proved to be a symptom of a much more serious illness so I am feeling a bit paranoid.

I plan to take my DS to the doctor but wonder if anyone has any comments to make in the meantime?

Thanks

[minmooch]

I would take him to GP and an optician.

If he has any other symptoms, like dizziness and vomiting, then take him to A&E. Hopefully it is something simple and your mind is put at rest soon.

[DeWe]

I think it is something that can happen at that age when they're tired.

But it's as well to have it checked out. If there are other symptoms then do go to A&E or back to the doctor if it continues.

[BlissfullyIgnorant]

You could try some simple exercises; with a fave small attractive toy, or something like a brightly coloured feather, move it slowly back and forth while trying to encourage him to watch it, meanwhile watch his eyes and see if they move together or if one works better than the other. Then try side to side (if you can get him to rest his chin on his hands, teddy or something so he doesn't move his head instead) and see if his eyes move together. He may have muscle stuff going on which might affect tracking and convergence, in which case some easy exercises will sort that out. You will need professional opinion and guidance on that. Look for an optometrist who can offer vision therapy in children.
When you read to him, use his finger to follow the words in the book - it might work at his age if it's a very short story (Dr Seuss is great for that). I recommend Fox in Sox. Cowboy Baby is also very, very good!

[Ontesterhooks]

Get your gp or health visitor to refer to an orthoptist they are the specialists in eye movements !

[BabysPointlessPocket]

Yes ds had this. Left eye used to drift up on its own. With a squint in both but much more noticeable when he was tired. Had corrective laser surgery at 4 y/old and has been perfect ever since.

[cestlavielife]

ask for optomotrist referral to se eif he has squint. easily treated with patches or glasses.

[blanksquit]

Might be a sight problem. Although I don't know what age these start to manifest. Mine was two when we noticed one eye seemed to be drifting off - particularly in photos. The pupil sort of moved into place slower than the other eye. We weren't sure but we thought we'd get it checked out as it can be quite hereditary and my dh had a squint when he was 2. We went via gp for referral to hospital. But it did take a few months to get an appointment by which time it was a very obvious squint and she was found to be longsighted.

It is worse when they're tired. My dh was operated on as a child, but his eye still wanders if he's tired.

If you're really worried maybe see an optician as it would be much quicker I think. I understand that they would still refer you to hospital then.

[Chicksy]

My daughter had the same. I took her to the opticians and he said she was long sighted but wanted to wait before giving her glasses. I started to think I was a paranoid over reacting mother. i went privately to an opthamologist and she needed glasses. When she is wearing them her eyes are fine, if not wearing them her eye is as you describe. My advice, get a referral, better safe than sorry

[cheekyginger]

Hi monkey32

Im an Orthoptist. Dont panic!!

From what you describe it sounds like a slight muscle imbalance when he is looking up. HV's can refer directly to Orthoptists rather than your GP. Would be worth getting him checked out by a specialist. But if it is a mild muscle imbalance they may not do anything apart from observe him over the next year or so. He's way too little to be doing exercises!