A Little About Strabismus

Strabismus is a problem with the eyes when they do not track together. That is to say that they do not both look in the same direction at the same time. There are many forms, for example when one eye looks straight ahead and the other looks a bit to the left or right. The misalignment may be horizontal or vertical, or even in between.

A repair consists of either shortening or lengthening the connection between the muscles which control eye movement. The surgery is very routine and is in-and-out the same day. At the Children's Hospital her in Calgary, while we were there, at least a dozen or so of these repairs were carried out on a number of children. Sofia was the youngest, at least on that day. She had been scheduled two weeks ago, but when the anaesthesiologist listened to her chest he noted a bit of congestion, and because children with Down Syndrome often have smaller airways than normal, and because of Sofia's previous heart repair, it was postponed until now.

The Waiting Room

It is not easy for Sofia but all factors considered she is exceptionally good. Naturally she is bored and we go to great lengths to keep her amused. Momma has brought Sofia's favorite storybooks and toys. She is very hungry as she has not eaten since the previous evening, and so far today has only had a drink of water. She realy put her pacifier to work today and if there were any nutrients in it, they are surely gone now! There is a sign in the waiting room stating "NO FOOD OR DRINK IN THIS AREA", but one little tot walked in drinking juice from a 'sipping' cup. Sofia noticed this immediately and indicated in her way that she wanted it. Of course we couldn't let her have anything, and managed to quickly distract her attention away.

As usual, there is always lots of waiting. There are lots of kids here for eye surgery and some cases take a little longer than others. We were at the hospital at 9:30AM because before the surgery Sofia had to be examined by the nurses who take temperature, weight, blood pressure, etc. As well, there are lots of questions to answer and the usual consent and other forms to be filled out.

Pre-Surgical Matters

Among other things, Sofia has never like having her blood pressure tested, but we did manage OK. Her pressure was 120 over 80, but that was not considered bad in that Sofia was pretty excited! Sofia is developing a mind of her own. She has been poked and prodded many times during various exams and perhaps she is getting tired of it all. I don't blame her. If we are lucky, she won't require all of this medical attention in the future. Aside from the DS, she is a pretty healthy little girl.