Abbie was diagnosed with something called Streff Syndrome. It is a problem with the communication between her eyes and her brain, brought on and aggravated by stress. Basically the more upset she gets, the worse she can see. She doesn't need prescription glasses, but she will get some good out of "cheater" or magnifying reading glasses.
What provided such an AHA! moment for me, was when the doctor started describing the symptoms. It is most common in girls 7-12 that have had something stressful in their their life (she was switched out of an unhealthy learning environment partway through this year.) She might be behind in reading and math. Her vision problems will come and go, so she might do fine one day and not be able to read a simple story the next. This syndrome is sometimes misdiagnosed as ADD because of the changeable nature of the problem. (Something that had been suggested by a past teacher.) On further reading on my own, I learned this is related to your fight or flight instinct. You brain can't decide which response is the appropriate one when faced with the visual stress of some tasks. Interesting, huh? Your brain is an amazing place! Unfortunately not a whole lot is written about this so if you care to do any further reading this article is the most comprehensive without being a medical journal.
So she has a very fancy pair of glasses to wear for reading or close-up work. These should be enough of a help to retrain her brain to see more clearly. It may take from 6 to 18 months, but hopefully over the summer we can also work on some stress management which should help also. If all of this isn't enough, there are some vision exercises that should correct it. Finally, an answer!
Cheese!!
I so wish I could banish all stress from the lives of 7-12 year old girls across the world, but especially from the life of my lovely niece. Summer is going to be an excellent time of relaxation. And those stress management techniques - man, we could all use more of those! Very nice glasses. Fancy ones are more fu to wear! Love you all.
ReplyDeleteSissy, you stole the words right out of my mouth. I am so glad that you guys have a good doctor who was able to provide some answers and then solutions. I wish she didn't have to go through hardship, but thats life. And now with help she can grow from it. Blue is a good color for her, and now she fits right in with her bespectacled aunties in the lower 48. Glasses are very trendy now you know. Hugs, Hugs, Hugs...
ReplyDeleteDear Miss Abigail, you are WAY-styling in those fancy reader glasses! I especially like them if they help you see words better. Also, glad to hear that Mr. Liam can put off glasses another year (and maybe even most of his life?). Love you all and can't wait to see you!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that you have some answers!
ReplyDelete