Our Ophthalmology Visit

Easton has been doing some things that were suggestive of potential farsightedness.  A colleague, my friend, who also happens to be a pediatrician suggested we consider going to a Pediatric Ophthalmologist. Of course, crazy me goes and calls one up in Asheville immediately after our discussion only to be told Easton couldn't be seen until December. I was heart broken! But, I told the receptionist over the phone to put me on a waiting list, in case of a cancellation, and I would be there for sure.  Well they called me yesterday.  I dropped everything and told them "Yes I will be there!"

Easton and I dropped off the girls and headed towards Asheville at 9:00 this morning.  We had an appointment time of 10:15.  From my house it takes 45 minutes to an hour to get to Asheville, 45 minutes if you drive like me 10 years ago and more like an hour if you drive like me these days. We had no trouble finding the office, but I did miss one turn and ended up in a rough section of town. It wasn't too bad, Easton and I are tough.  When we got to the office, I was amazed at how big the place was. Remember I am from the foothills of NC, we don't go all out down here! Of course, the receptionists were greeting you immediately at the front, and seriously couldn't be nicer, more helpful, or cheerful.  We paid our copay and headed to the waiting area. I barely sat down when a chipper and cute blonde said "Easton Bumgarner." She took Easton back to dilate his eyes. He laughed and cooed as she shined lights into his eyes.  She instructed us that it would take 30 minutes for his eyes to dilate and took us back to the waiting room. There I met so many interesting families and children.  One was a man and his daughter who was born prematurely (he never said how many weeks gestation) weighing 1 pound and 9 ounces.  She is a miracle child, now 5, and beautiful. I met a little boy who was turning two and appeared to have motor dyscoordination and severe speech delays. I met an elderly couple who had lived all over the world and celebrated tons of successes. I met a little boy who had the same wolf that Easton has. It was an interesting waiting room, and made me feel oddly secure.

Unfortunately, Easton decided to pee all over me after drinking the only bottle I had brought, and there was no nursing area. I did change him, but my dress had to dry... I only had one evaluation at work today, I don't think the family noticed my pee-pee dress! :) He seemed hungry after the hour we waited so I stood up and swayed with him. About thirty minutes later we were called back to see the Dr.  He diagnosed Easton with moderate hyperopia (+4.5), farsightedness, which was not typical for a child his age.  Some degree of farsightedness is, however.  He made a recommendation for follow up in 8-9 months.  The concern is inward turning of the eyes. We are to watch for that.  Vision could resolve on its own, he could require glasses, or I guess even a patch may be needed. We will take it though! Farsightedness is something I can live with, and I am pretty sure Easton can too. Whew! This has been a tough couple of weeks and this visit made my day!