A few more details about her ophthalmology appointment:
- Elisabeth's vision has plateaued, there has been no improvement since February.
- Her doctor took note of her small cranial vault. I don't know if you can tell from the pictures I post, but Elisabeth has a tiny head....off the charts small. This is because her brain has not grown enough to put pressure on the skull (which would normally cause it to expand). The ophthalmologist mentioned that the smallest portion of her skull is where the occipital lobe (part of the brain responsible for sight) is located. Not a good thing as far as her vision is concerned.
- Elisabeth has severe astigmatism.
- Elisabeth has exotropia.
- I have struggled to understand Elisabeth's vision. Sometimes it's obvious that she can see things, and so I know she has vision.....but other times it just seems that there is nothing there. Her doctor noticed this as well. He explained that within a minute she visually fatigues and her eyes just shut off. Sort of like when you are lifting weights; it's easy enough at first, but you get to the point where your muscles are exhausted and they can't lift the weights anymore. Make sense? (Thanks to my Mom for coming up with that analogy.)
I thoroughly enjoy all of Elisabeth's medical appointments (I know that makes me a bit of an odd ball. There shouldn't be anything enjoyable about these kinds of meetings, but to me there is; I thrive on it). I love learning about Elisabeth and what makes her unique. To understand her better helps me care for her better. To understand her disabilities leads me to rejoice in her abilities. To know all she has faced, and to remember how far she has come brings a great sense of appreciation and gratitude for her sweet life.
Elisabeth's vision is not good, but rather than mourn for what she is lacking, I choose to celebrate what she has. She can see colors and shapes and she has a visual idea of her surroundings and the people that love her. Life is good.
