Well, it's been 3 years (and some change...blame our computer for not getting this out sooner) since we found out about Jack's cataracts, had both removed, and were on our way to life with an aphakic (no lenses in the eyes.) When I first started searching for information about cataracts, one thing I could never find was how this was going to effect us down the road...so if you're new to the cataract thing or just curious as to how Jack's doing...here ya go!
Jack is a full time glasses wearer. We had a short lived attempt at contacts about a month ago, but it was just too traumatic for all of us. They're still sitting on the counter. The glasses are a non issue. He wears them happily and at this point, that's all that matters.
He's in preschool three days a week. He LOVES it. He loves his teachers, friends, learning...everything. He doesn't require any sort of accommodations. I shot his teachers a quick email at the beginning of the year just explaining that he needs to wear them and giving cleaning instructions should snack or craft time get messy. He's adjusted well to the bifocals and there is nothing cuter than watching him tilt his head so he can read through the bifocal.
We go to the doctor twice a year. The visits are usually pretty painless and result in a prescription change. I'm scared to say this out loud, but we have thus avoided the patching boat. One of the benefits of having a bilateral kid is that neither eye was ever stronger than the other. Don't get me wrong...I know plenty of bilateral kids who have to patch for one reason or another, and I guess we're never fully in the clear. Same thing goes for glaucoma...he'll be carefully monitored for life I'm guessing.Three years ago, I was terrified to think of what life would be like at this point. I lived in the worst case scenario world. The good news is, I'm not sure life today is any different than it would have been without cataracts. Jack has no recollection of his fateful first year, and continues to be a happy go lucky little dude!
If you're just starting your journey and have other questions about what life down the road is like, please ask! The unknown is a scary thing...
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| Jack doing his best "scare face" after watching Monsters, University. |
