chipmonkey / eye people - 'proactive' eye testing on little ones (dilation tests)

[hub2dee]

Not been on for a while, and searching old messages saw you had 'eye knowledge' :-)

dw has I think fairly pronounced astigmatism (sorry, no prescription to hand), has done for 20+ years.

I have very mild, only beginning last few years.

dd was 1 month prem, IUGR, but is a 100% fine and dandy 3yo.

As she was prem, they have done one or two routine eye tests over the years (all apparently fine), but at the last test they suggested a dilation session so they could have a good look at the back of her eyes, establish a baseline to measure for any astigmatism which may be present. I've confirmed with a private optometrist (have I got these titles right ? !) that this is indeed sensible / advised / only way to look at this portion of the eye etc....

She is due to have the test tomorrow.

I am wary though of putting her through something potentially 'unnecessary', and creating a negative association with things opthalmic IYSWIM...

Is it 'best practice' to test those theoretically at increased risk of developing astigmatism ? Should she be tested so young or could I safely stall a few years ?

If something is found, does treating it this early (presumably with glasses) slow down / reverse / correct the defect or just provide better vision ?

Regardless of the outcome, I presume it will be suggested we get her tested at regular intervals - probably every year or two. Would you suggest that is sensible, even if the test is somewhat intrusive / uncomfortable ? If astigmatism is 'caught early' does treatment strategy change or prognosis improve ?

TIA for any comments / experience from people who've needed the test for their little ones.

my dd (4.10years) has had glasses since she was 18 months or so and goes for the dilation test annually. She had an astigmatism but at her last check (last week) it had gone so her eyeball had changed shape in the last year. It is best to get eyes checked regularly as the quicker things are picked up the easier they are to treat. Once you get past a certain age (7ish I think) then they are more problematic.

The test itself involves drops being put into the eyes and then they are left to work for 30 minutes or so and the the optometrist will check the back of the eye/shape of the eys, etc and may use different lenses to work out a glasses prescription.

dd3 has had this test done several times. and if you have been searching then you are probably aware that it doesnt work for her.

she has been wearing glasses since she was about 18months old, and doesnt really worry about the appointments. she is a similar age to your dd1 as well.

Thanks for the feedback and hiya misdee.

I was under the impression the drops went in and BAM !!! dilated pupil and kid goes instantly hysterical because they can't see properly, but I realise it's a much slower process, with 20 - 30 minutes wait for the drops to act etc. etc. so I doubt dd will get too upset by the whole thing... I'll just pack lots of toys / books / treats / pressies etc.

There seems to be consensus that treatment under 7ish has more rapid / easier influence than a later dx / treatment, so I guess it's all good...

hmmm.

Take some sunglasses for the journey home.

The first time DS had it done it was a really sunny day and he was not very happy on the drive home.

Thanks. Have hat and shades ready.

Hope the clinic go for 'princess drops' as I can see that being a winner !

Just to give feedback in case anyone finds this message from searching:

They got dd to close her eyes, and applied the drops whilst they were closed, so that when they were opened, the dilation fluid entered the eye. Clever. Nothing more than a tiny whimper. The drops are slow acting, there is no instant dilation IYSWIM, so dd wasn't upset by it. No big sting.

No glasses needed at the mo, suggested return visit in one year.

Take shades and a hat to the clinic, as I imagine everything is brighter and blurrier than normal for the child afterwards. Also sunblinds on the car useful, and maybe schedule indoor activities in the immediate hour or so afterward (we did sitting in a supermarket underground car park and eating with Grandma).

glad it went ok

not lookign forward to dd3's next appointment as they want to attempt dilation again, and i know it wont work. so may have to look at the drops that can last a week which wont be pleasent.

Do they do it in the same style I described ? dd was lying flat in my arms, eyes closed, and the liquid was only applied to the inside corner, and then along the eyelash line where the lashes meet IYSWIM. Didn't bug her too much.

The ones which last a week sound like trouble !