Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Amblyopia Kids may struggle with trendy 3D toys & games

Since the release of Avatar 3D there's been more in the news about how those who have Amblyopia or other vision issues may not be able to view 3D images as intended.

It seems the push for everything 3D lately has branched from movies - into other media items such as video games and even toys.

For example, my son has the Toy Story Mania! Wii game which is based on the Disney/Pixar attraction of the same name. The wii gameplay consists of carnival style games that are 3D - and require the player to wear the "old school red & blue lens" glasses. Try as she might, my daughter really struggles with this game and usually gives up because she cannot view it properly and therefore she is literally playing it blind. It is a shooting game, so if she hits a target it is pure luck. At least she has a good "excuse" why she is not good at the game... what's my excuse for missing the targets?





The most recent place that I stumbled upon more 3D products for kids - is surprisingly -- the craft/Crayola aisle! I thought, really.. are you kidding me? They now sell 3D coloring books, 3D chalk and other 3D activity kits. My daughter likes to con me into buying Crayola sets sometimes when we are at Target or the grocery store. Since they generally are pretty inexpensive and are nice quiet activities that keep her busy - I'm usually happy to add another art set. I also think they make a pretty good patching activity! But now I'm frustrated... Just yesterday at Target my daughter saw a fairies kit and commented to me "it even has glasses". I took a look at it and saw it was a 3D kit and so I had to steer her to a different coloring book set. Whatever happened to just coloring books, paints, markers? When did art sets get so complicated?

Comment if your child with Amblyopia has ever tried any of these kits or 3D games/movies? I'd love to hear your experience positive or negative.

Monday, March 1, 2010

Is your child a member of The Eye Patch Club?


The Eye Patch Club is a support network and patching "club" for kids with amblyopia.

Membership in the Eye Patch Club is $12.95 and members receive a newsletter, a calendar with stickers, and access to 'members only content' on the Prevent Blindness America website. The members only area has access to coloring pages, classroom curriculum, parent tips, and features like a "meet the members/member of the month" section. Your child can also receive a birthday card from the club - My daughter recently turned 5 and received a birthday card in the mail from The Eye Patch Club.

The Prevent Blindness site also offers a discussion forum for Amblyopia that is an amazing resource for parents.

Join the Eye Patch Club - Order Online - Only $12.95 plus shipping. For more ordering options, call 1-800-331-2020.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Amblyopia Progress Report - 1 year mark

February 22, 2010:

Well, we went back to the eye doctor today. It is hard to believe that almost a year has gone by since my daughter was first diagnosed with Amblyopia. The doctor reported that my daughter's vision is continuing to improve. At this time we are going to take a break from patching and when we go back in June (in 4 months) - we will be seeing if there is any regression in her vision. Her eye has gotten a lot stronger and with her glasses on she is able to read most of the eye chart. This is better news than I could ever had imagined in just a years time.

With her glasses on my daughter's eyes are straight but when she takes her glasses off - her left eye is doing a little bit of 'traveling' mostly outward. This could end up being surgical, but I'll remain hopeful that it corrects with her glasses (and/or patching).

The hardest part of the visit was my daughter needed her eyes dilated this time. She was so well behaved and cooperative for the assistant to put the drops in and while waiting for the drops to take effect. All I know is that my kid has a great attitude because I absolutely despise when I need the drops and how I feel afterwards - miserable and frustrated. I felt badly because I hadn't expected her to get the dilation today so I didn't have her sunglasses with me for afterwards. So, we'd planned to go out to lunch after but first we had to make a pitstop home for her prescription sunglasses. After a quick bite to eat we just hung out at home and she chilled out with dim lighting and sunglasses - the bright snow outside is actually worse than sunny summer day in terms of light sensitivity. Ouch!

Dilation Photos:
She was goofing around and I forgot to turn the flash off - AAARGH!















So, my daughter goes back to the eye doctor in June. (4 months)

I'm so thankful for continued progress and improvements in her vision.

Monday, February 15, 2010

Prevent Blindness America: Be a Voice for Vision this President's Day

Be a Voice for Vision This President's Day

Prevent Blindness America is ramping up our advocacy efforts for 2010, starting with you at home. In honor of the President’s Day holiday on February 15, we are asking you, our vision advocates, to reach out to your Congressional representatives and request a meeting to share your story with your Member. We have created a template letter here to assist you in requesting a meeting with your representative in the local district office.

Not sure what to say? Prevent Blindness America has put together a list of tips, tricks, and talking points here. Please help us by using your voice to inform your representatives of the eye and vision health issues that can affect us all. Contact your local Prevent Blindness America affiliate to get more involved in advocacy efforts in your state. You can also contact us at Prevent Blindness America (1-800-331-2020) if you have any questions!

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Strawberry Sweet... Strabismus [Ficklets]

Belle loves her Ficklets. Lately she's been wearing these cute little strawberry charms. (Thanks, Ros!)

I love this picture of her taken at a family birthday party - though I've been bummed lately because I (think - well, I know) I now see her left (amblyopic) eye starting to float a bit - especially in photos I see the Strabismus (misalignment of the eys) moreso.

We go back to the eye doctor next week. After scaling back on her patching (per the doctor's orders) I wonder what this appointment will reveal.

Friday, February 12, 2010

The Super Specs Eyeglass Program







Check out the Super Specs Eyeglass Program website (part of Prevent Blindness America) for Tips for Parents and Games and activities for kids who wear glasses/have vision issues. There are all sorts of activities like coloring pages, word searches, crosswords and more!

Parents - You can request a free tip sheet and eye glass care sheet here


Related Links
More fun stuff for kids with glasses and vision issues

The pirates of preschool: amblyopia and the curse of the lazy eye

Sharing this article on I found about amblyopia.

Watertown Daily Times | The pirates of preschool: amblyopia and the curse of the lazy eye