We've entered a new phase in Chloe's eye care- PATCHING! From the first time she was diagnosed with amblyopia (lazy eye), we were told there was a big possibility that she would have to patch her good eye (to strengthen the bad eye). She has been in glasses for almost 2 years and each doctor appointment we've been to, he has told us how fortunate we are that she is doing so well and not needing to be patched.
We went into the eye doctor last month for a routine check up and found out that although she is still doing good, it was time to patch. This was a day we have been dreading since the beginning. Luckily, we only have to patch for 3 hours a day (for now). With a girl who rises bright and early at 6 a.m., she can take that patch off and be done by 9:00.
There are actually some different options for patch's, and this "pirate" style is just one of them. The doctor's office offered us a little cloth style one that you slide over the lens of the glasses, but with that one Chloe could still see around/under the patch on either side and it was bothersome. The pirate patch completely covers her eye and fits quite nicely under her glasses too. And this one is probably doing the most good too, as the eye has no chance to peek any where and be used at all.
She doesn't have to wear it in public with that short of wearing time, for which we are currently grateful. A friend of mine came over one morning and saw Chloe in the patch and I quickly explained the situation, but I'm sure her first thought was that Chloe was playing dress up or something. Our family already gets LOTS of unsolicited attention in public (twins and 4 kids 5 and under, need I say more?) and I would hate for her to get teased. I'm sure we'd gets lots (more) of comments to our already side circus show.
The first few days in it were torture. It felt like much longer than 3 hours, (to all of us)! She would literally ask every 4 minutes if it was time to take the patch off and would slide the patch up and off her eye when we weren't looking.
Now with just a week in the patch, she is doing amazing. We are so proud of her- Ben and I have each tried it for a few minutes and it is torture! It gives me almost an instant headache and that darn strap on the forehead is so annoying, and every time I would blink my eyelashes would rub on the patch. I can't imagine doing it for 5 minutes, let alone 3 hours. She is a trooper and we think she looks adorable in it.
During the first few long days, I kept reminding Chloe that I knew this wasn't fun for her, but that sometimes we just have to do hard things. She is doing it and doing it well!
It also helped to have Nana Andros send us some pictures of Ben at Chloe's age (5) wearing a patch as well. (And can I just say I am totally digging the tank top).
Like father, like daughter!
(Ben, 6th pirate from the left).
As Mitchell would say- "Arrrr, ladies!"
1 comments:
She is darling in the patch but I'm also glad she doesn't have to wear it to Kindergarten. Did you tell her that you once had to wear head gear?!?! I would think a patch is better than head gear!
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