We just got back from our 3 month update. My son is now @ 20/25 in his Amblyopia eye. So excited. The PO say's it is rare to see that amount of improvement in the short amount of time and she is extremely happy with his progress. She asked what we did.
I told her that after the 1st 2 days of patching my son didn't fight me. We patched for the full 6 hours every day (with the exception of the last week, where we did 4 hours). My son also wears his glasses from the moment he wakes up until he goes to bed at night.
She now wants us to patch 2-4 hours a day and we follow up with her in 3 months.
Just to refresh my son is 7 1/2 and has astigmatism in his L eye and perfect 20/20 in his R eye. He started at 20/100 (officially) in his L eye. Some of the vision tests he was 20/200.
His depth perception isn't affected at all which is also really good for someone with Amblyopia (so I have been told.)
I just wanted to share the good news for anyone else who might have a child with Amblyopia, that even at older ages it can improve and is not hopeless as previously thought.
Oh on another note, about a month ago I found out from my mother in-law that it was either my husband or his brother who also had Amblyopia as a young child (3 years) and had to do patch therapy. I think it might have been my brother-in-law because my husband say's he doesn't ever remember wearing a patch and didn't start wearing glasses till he was 13.
Another reason why it is important to know the family history of both parents.
I will post more status updates as I get them. Good luck to all parents and those who are currently treating or have treated Amblyopia. Always keep positive thoughts and prayers with whatever religion/spiritual belief you have. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. More people that know about Amblyopia more children can get the early treatment to successfully regain their vision.
