JulEYE ~ don't take your vision for granted

Last week Sam , six , had a followup appointment and vision check at the Children's hospital eye clinic. Sam has worn prescription glasses, fulltime, since he was 20 months old.



Sam is currently having his eye patched 2hrs each day to improve the strength in his weaker eye. Much to his dislike.This visit his prescription was changed by the Specialist Paediatric Ophthalmologist  , only five months after new glasses *$igh* but I know it is for his benefit.

We didn't detect his vision problem apart from the white eye reflection which I picked up in photos when he was 11 months old. I was terrified *.

Sam has a genetic disease "Neurofibromatosis 1" - which can result in an optic glioma, his eyes were being already being checked (initially every 3-4 months) to detect any issues - early- if they occurred.

Fortunately while he hasn't had an Optic glioma , he does have myelinated retinal nerve fibres plus myopia (causing nearsightedness). He still has photos with a white eye reflection - potentially a serious symptom of some eye diseases.


I know what Sam's white eye reflection is - myelinated retinal nerve fibres plus myopia - white fibres cover his lens. It has affected his vision though wearing glasses helps corrects this.

I just hope he doesn't end up with a turned eye ('cross eyes' -like me) because when a child has vision issues that go undetected it can cause the brain to switch off that eye (like lazy eye).It was only on subsequent visits they found he was longsighted in his other eye. I am glad we were having his eyes checked.

When I received another email asking me to mention about JulEYE I agreed to mention the campaign.

Why ?

Every 65 minutes, an Australian loses part or all of their vision – this may explain why one third of Australians list blindness as their most feared health condition alongside cancer. Yet the majority of Australians do not get their eyes tested regularly, despite the fact that 75% of vision loss is preventable or treatable. The Eye Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation, is once again encouraging all Australians to get their eyes tested in July as part of its annual ‘JulEYE’ campaign, kicked off on July 1st.

Week 2 of the campaign focuses on diabetes and eye health - and urges people with diabetes - no matter their age - to make regular eye checks part of their diabetes management plan

Don' forget your children’s eye health . They are also encouraging parents to have their children’s eyes tested and be aware that vision problems are not exclusive to the elderly only and can affect babies and young children.

As a mother, who has faced such issues I wanted to share this.I am aware that is quite widespread in Australia.Undetected vision problems are estimated to affect one in four Australian children. Parents need to be aware of the importance of children’s eye health and that regular eye checks are just as important to a young child’s overall health and well being as other regular health checks, therefore, good eye health begins with testing from birth.

The Eye Foundation is asking all Australians - no matter their age - to get their eyes tested this julEYE, and place eye tests every two years on their family’s calendar of regular medical checks.

AS parents we need to protect our children’s vision and our own.The eye foundation would love others to mention this and help spread the word about this great cause!

For more information or to link to the Eye Foundation website please go to www.eyefoundation.org.au


• Follow on Twitter- @EyeFoundation;

• Like on Facebook- The-Eye-Foundation

• Chat to them on their blog- EyeSiteBlog.com

The amazing - Rachael Leahcar , 17, from Team Delta on Channel Nine's hit TV show.The Voice Australia suffers from a rare eye condition called Retinitis Pigmentosa.

I can't stress enough how important sight is. I am partially blind in one eye for a completely different reason (head injury as a child at school with undiagnosed partially detached retina).I have some peripheral vision but a huge blind spot in my central vision.

*Everyone please note - white eye reflection is not normal and you should get a referral to an Opthamologist asap if you see it in your photos. It could be life threatening if left unchecked.I still get hits on this topic every week.

This is a non sponsored community announcement - because it is so important to me.

♥

The Hunger Games ~ totally Pinworthy

So it seems totally wrong to post about running and health , after chocolate, but lets run with it anyway.

I find it challenging to run outside, on the road,due to my hearing impairment . I worry about not hearing cars approaching. I mainly stick to the treadmill. I love the treadmill workout programs I found via pinterest.

My right sided peripheral vision is impaired so I have to be careful too - not to run into low tree branches.

As well , the farm has uneven dirt tracks and it's dusty at the moment from a lack of rain .

There is a paved track to the zoo I plan to try in the coming weeks.

Source: eathealthy-getfit-sleep-repeat.tumblr.com via Trish on Pinterest

Last week I ran 8km in secs under an hr and I'm working up to 9-10km this week. It isn't easy but I know can do it. I've been inspired by Naomi @Seven Cherubs all the way.

The 14km City to Surf ,with Team World Vision, run is August 12th .So far I've raised $275 of my $1000 goal.

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Source: feel-that-burn.tumblr.com via Trish on Pinterest

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Source: fitsugar.com via Kirsty on Pinterest

This is my training focus this week - mixing up my treadmill workouts so it feels like I am running outside.

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Because it is really about the food

Source: greatist.com via Trish on Pinterest

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Inspiration for the week

  ♥

10 ways to stress less while your husband is having an MRI

My husband is off having an Brain MRI right now , hopefully as we speak.

He had a follow up appointment with the Radiation Oncologist at Cancer care centre , all seems good. A huge relief .

Then he saw a Neurologist because of the the ongoing headaches. They decided they would do another MRI just to rule out anything, it's been 11 months and 1 weeks since his last one.

It was supposed to be 3 weeks ago but 15 mins after they booked the scan (7pm the same day after the appointments) by the time he had walked up to give/receive informative the machine had broken down.
They think it is more likely stress, and they told him to adjust his medications too.

I am not stressing. 


Last week , when Sam had his annual Neurofibromatosis  [NF1] review at the Children's hospital clinic . We saw the Specialist not just a registrar . She decided Sam needs a brain MRI too. Again just to rule out anything causing his vision changes.

The eye appointment 3 weeks ago shows his eyesight is slightly worse in left eye. The eye they can't see the optic nerve in because of the myelinated nerve fibres covering the disc.

In children his age they give them a trial mock MRI first to see if they will cooperate and lie still enough without a general anaesthetic. When I mentioned we were going away for 2 months in 3 weeks, she said let's try to get it done before you go...have n't heard yet.

If he can have it done without a GA the wait will not be as long. I am not stressing ... !

How do I stress less ?




(Just what I am doing)

I said to myself "I can manage at least a few of these every day" ...

He just called and is on his way home.
How do you cope with stress ?

Edited to Link up with Sif @ At the bottom of the garden's 10 things on Tuesday.
♥ Never miss a post

Something new ~ Hair

I few weeks ago I was invited to THE Barney Martin's  hair salon in Surry Hills courtesy of P & G to colour my own hair . 

I have darkish brown hair and fortunately very few grey hairs*.

I have to confess that I haven't ever coloured my hair...never apart from a few foaming highlights.


Having had long hair for most of my adult life I haven't spend much time or money on my hair.

My career was in Nursing, in a Children's ward so I always wore my hair tied back and up in a pony tail. It was simple and quick to manage. NO style no worries.

Very occasionally I wore my hair down or styled when we went out.I just never worried  too much about it.
I rarely wore makeup either I preferred to go 'ugly' naturally.

I am far from 'attractive' due to many complicated reasons I won't go into here, mostly a genetic disease NF1 and my eyes. Hair and makeup have been the least of my day to day concerns.

However, as I 'age' with young sons, I am now more self - conscious because I do not want to be called their grandmother when they start school. As an older mother I want to look my best and take care of what I have left.

I am just too much of a scrooge to spend money on my vanity. I do feel more self conscious now more than ever as NF1 is causing an increasing number of small but highly visible lumps over my face (& everywhere).

I really try not to let it bother me because beauty is only skin deep.


Anyway, I digress. I decided to bite the bullet and try a new hair colour - medium golden brown. I wanted to feel better about myself because I've been feeling down. 

At the P & G event I was given the opportunity to colour my own hair with the Clairol Nice ‘n Easy Colour Blend Foam (rrp $17.99). Amidst several other fabulous 'style' bloggers also receiving Nice ‘n Easy Colour HAIR makeovers or for some just a pampering hair wash and salon blow dry & style , I felt very insignificant (- like why was I invited). 

I was pleased to hear my hair was in very good condition.

...So on with it - we started the colouring process ourselves - it was incredibly simple : Just pour bottle 1 into bottle 2, tilt the bottle gently up and down 3 times , then gently squeeze the bottle onto your hand and apply the no-drip foam to your hair. Long hair needs a little sectioning I learned.

I realised it was something I could probably do myself at home with a successful result. It's very affordable too. Though my stylist helped me finish up as the salon chair was not as easy at the bathroom at home. There was little mess and I only slopped a little foam onto my face.

The foam was left for about 10 mins then rinsed out by the stylist . I felt very pampered because it included a divine scalp massage. Followed up with a blow-dry and professional style experience. It was quite a treat for me as I only get my hair cut about 2-3 times a year ; rarely salon shampooed and styled.
 

The P & G event included the promotion of Pantene Pro-V Nature Fusion Shampoo & Conditioner . A new formula enriched with ingredients uniquely derived from Cassia seeds (One hundred crushed Cassia seeds in every bottle).

I loved the smell. Nature Fusion is specially designed to promote hair fullness and shine with scientifically naturally derived ingredients. It's suitable for most hair types. My husband likes it too.

I've been using it for 4 weeks and I love the way it makes my hair feel. It deeply conditions my hair and I've noticed less breakage. I love my new colour, though most people didn't notice a difference.

We were also shown the new Wella Pro Series {at home} Collection , they used these products {mousse & hair spray} to style our hair.

Inspired by stylists and developed by WELLA experts, closest to salon smooth hair in retail at an affordable price

I got to try the Pro Series mousse and Hair spray at home .They have a whole range in the collection.I look forward to trying their Shampoo and Conditioner range (It's available in a pump pack ...my favourite). All are available in supermarkets and/or Pharmacies.

Click the links below to read some of the other fun and informative posts for P & G Hair day.

Procter&Gamble certainly do everything in style. They even flew down Kelly & Nikki from Brisbane for the day.

L to R: Rear Kelly ~ Be a Fun Mum, Nikki ~ Styling You, Front Emma~Emma’s Brain, Lori ~ RRSAHM,  Zoey & baby P ~ GoodGoogs, Brenda & gorgeous S ~ The Mother Media & MummyTime  Mrs Woog ~ Woogs World, Me

Kelly has some great tips for busy mums.There are some great hair care tips on the Wella site too.

This is not a sponsored post though I was by invited Procter & Gamble and their PR to attend, I had no obligation to write this post; all opinions expressed are my own.

  

Professional Photos Credit - Georgina Morrison

PS: I only posted my pics so people who I haven't met , yet, will know who I am when I attend the Blogger's Brunch & Nuffnang Blogopolis.

* I did have a scary dream the other night I woke up with all grey hair growing out.


 ♥ Never miss a post

JulEYE and your child's sight

As you know my five year old,Sam, has worn prescription glasses since he was 20 months old.

We didn't detect a problem ourselves apart from the white eye reflection which I picked up in my photos when he was 11 months old. I was terrified *.

Sam has a genetic disease "Neurofibromatosis 1" - which can result in an optic glioma, his eyes were being already being checked (initially every 3-4 months) to detect them early if they occurred.

Fortunately while he hasn't had an Optic glioma , he does have myelinated retinal nerve fibres plus myopia (causing nearsightedness).

I still get photos with a white eye reflection - potentially a serious symptom of some eye diseases.

I know what Sam's is - myelinated retinal nerve fibres plus myopia - white fibres cover his lens. It has affected his vision though wearing glasses helps corrects this. I just hope he doesn't end up with a turned eye ('cross eyes' -like me) because when a child has vision issues that go undetected it can cause the brain to switch off that eye (like lazy eye).

It was only on subsequent visits they found he was longsighted in his other eye. I am glad we were having his eyes checked. Sam may still need a patch for one eye to strengthen his weaker eye.

When I received an email asking me to mention about JulEYE I immediately had to share it.

Why ?

Every 65 minutes, an Australian loses part or all of their vision – this may explain why one third of Australians list blindness as their most feared health condition alongside cancer. Yet the majority of Australians do not get their eyes tested regularly, despite the fact that 75% of vision loss is preventable or treatable. The Eye Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation, is once again encouraging all Australians to get their eyes tested in July as part of its annual ‘JulEYE’ campaign kicking off on July 1.

Each week of ‘JulEYE’ will focus on a different aspect of eye health. The third week will be focused on children’s eye health and encouraging parents to have their children’s eyes tested and be aware that vision problems are not exclusive to the elderly only and can affect babies and young children. 

As a mother,  who has faced such issues I wanted to share this.I am aware that is quite widespread in Australia.

Undetected vision problems are estimated to affect one in four Australian children. Parents need to be aware of the importance of children’s eye health and that regular eye checks are just as important to a young child’s overall health and wellbeing as other regular health checks, therefore, good eye health beginswith testing from birth. 

The Eye Foundation is asking all Australians - no matter their age - to get their eyes tested this julEYE, and place eye tests every two years on their family’s calendar of regular medical checks. 

AS parents we need to protect our children’s vision

Kirk Pengilly is the ambassador for ‘JulEYE’, as well Australian country artist, Lorin Nicholson and many other young, inspirational Australians currently battling eye disease.

The eye foundation would love others to mention this and help spread the word about this great cause!

For more information or to link to the Eye Foundation website please go to www.eyefoundation.org.au

They are also getting social this year so you can:

•   Follow on Twitter- @EyeFoundation;

•   Like on Facebook-  The-Eye-Foundation FaceBook Page; and

•   Chat to them on their blog- EyeSiteBlog.com

*Everyone please note - white eye reflection is not normal and you should get a referral to an Opthamologist asap if you see it in your photos. It could be life threathening if left unchecked. 

 

PPS I can't stress enough how important sight is. I am almost blind in one eye for a completely different reason (head injury as a child at school with undiagnosed partially detached retina).I have peripheral vision but a huge blind spot in my central vision.

This is a non sponsored community announcement - because it is so important to me.

 ♥ Never miss a post

Meet me ...

Finally I can say it - shout it if you please...

I’M DELIGHTED TO BE MEETING

YOU -

at the day session, at least, and to meet others for dinner Friday night.

There has been envious watching of all the tweeting and chatting abuzz in the Aus Mum Blogger circles.

This weekend some 170+ mummy and other personal bloggers will hit Sydney for the first Australian Blogging Conference (ABC or Aus Blog Con).

I still don't feel like a real blogger even after nearly 4 yrs of personal mummy blogging (and 6 years of an online presence in other parenting forums).

I was shy about going.My husband's health was also my main concern six months ago when the ABC tickets were first announced. I held off buying a ticket because ... I just couldn't commit to anything not just that finances were and are still tight.

When DH's scan on Feb 1st was clear the ABC tickets were sold out. I held my breath, hoping , quietly.

Monday, I saw a tweet from the gorgeous Holly @ Good Golly Miss Holly . Don't fret - you still get to meet her too - Holly is going to the hot frocks dinner and I got to buy her day ticket. It suited me.  

I'm most excited to re-new acquaintances , hug and hang out with the chicks who make me laugh and cry daily with their real life stories on their blog or one liners on twitter.

Here is ten IMPORTANT things you should know about me

1. I'm hearing impaired - The thing behind my right ear is my BAHA hearing aid - bone anchored hearing aid and if you can see the screw in my head - it means I've lost it. I may start screaming too.
   
   
2. Seriously if you say 'hello' from behind or from my left I may not hear - please don't think I'm ignoring you. Feel free to tap me on the shoulder or jab me in the back.
   
   
3. If I answer a question inappropriately - don't assume Kelley has given me too many Margaritas - I probably didn't hear you.
   
   
4. I ask people to repeat things, a lot sometimes, in noisy environments - forgive me I am not really stupid I do get things - I just miss bits (see #3 too) and keep asking until I fully understand.
   
   
5. Don't worry I can't lip read much ...but I do concentrate hard on people speaking sometimes so if you think I am staring strangely - I am not.
   
   
6. I don't mind if you talk 'louder' to me but please remind me if I am talking too loud too ...
   
   
7. I'm also vision impaired in my right eye - I wear contact lens only in my left eye. You wouldn't know it until I look at you - my right eye has minimal peripheral vision, my eye has a slight turn and a bit different. I am very self conscious about it but what can I do but grin and carry on.
   
   
8. I hate the way I look especially in photos ...my right side is the worst. Just saying - I will hide in the corner if your camera comes out.
   
   
9. I get very nervous when I meet new people. I may babble to hide my nervousness. I get the feeling many of us are nervous so I know I'm not alone.I don't have any business cards to offer you :( but I do have heart shaped post it's.
   
   
10. Friday & Saturday I hope I leave behind some of my concerns and just enjoy connecting in real life with new and old friends. I'll soak in as much information as I can as the conference and come home re-newed.
    

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Worry 101 ...

OK....... let's talk about my baby the middle Brother - S ... aka Twin 1

I believe that Murphy's goal this week was to push me over the edge and turn my hair gray er ! with sickness and medical appointments.

It was a bad week . Looking back over the first twenty months I guess it really should not have been a surprise to me S has been so well - they both have (excepting for J's diagnosis of VUR urinary reflux). We have hardly needed to see the GP.

All this last week my little guy S has had temperatures up to 39 plus and it was over 40 degrees Tuesday night and 39.7 still last night at midnight.Today, he has finally had no fever after starting antibiotics...

We have been to GP three times and Accident & Emergency twice (though it was neither an accident or emergency). Yesterday, we asked to see a more experienced different GP and he thinks it is an ear infections (Otitis Media) - so he started 'Amoxil'.

It started last Thursday . I took him to GP Friday afternoon - it was a new Dr to the practice.He said it was most likely a virus. He had a slightly runny nose and mild cough.

Ok . S wasn't too sick but just 'needy' over weekend with a few temperatures up to 39. I took him back Monday afternoon to see a GP again - we saw same Dr.I wasn't happy with that visit .

That night I took him to casualty - I wanted to get a blood test as he seemed quite unwell by 8.30pm .I also wanted to get his urine checked. They were going to admit him but wouldn't do blood tests and I didn't want him in hospital for nothing. By the time we got seen S had picked up again and his temp was down.We left with urine & stool forms.

Tuesday, he was unwell and very whingey. We went back to hospital Tuesday night after we finally caught clean catch urine (only took 4 hrs nappy free) and stool (in the nappy thankfully).He wasn't eating much though still BF heaps (I was so glad of him BF still).

His temp was 40 this time - they did bloods but white cells were apparently in normal range Though his c-reactive protein (should be 0-5) was 26 .I Googled it and it means presence of infection or inflammation. Still we went home .They were happy for me to follow up with GP.

As I'd worked as a registered nurse in Children's ward for 12 yrs I knew what to do and besides we live 5 mins from the hospital if we needed to come back.

Wednesday, more high temps so went to see the senior GP who diagnosed 'Otitis media' both ears ??? who knows - but since he started the Amoxil the temps have finally come down.I have been so worried always thinking the worse. I felt at the end of my rope some days between him being sick and so clingy. Sleep has been little and disturbed too.

Monday, we also found out S needed glasses . The vision in his left eye is quite bad (from specialists perspective it would be very blurry - S can't tell them this though) .

It is related to myelin sheath around the optic nerve growing down obscuring/distorting the optic disc (remember the white eye reflection) .The other lens will have plain glass and we will need to patch it 2hrs a day (starting once he gets used to having glasses in 2 months time approx).He will need patching till 7-8 years old.

The Specialist said otherwise the brain will switch off and he will lose vision in the that eye - he might still not have much anyway but hopefully patching will make the eye focus and brain use the available vision. It is rare what he has.

Today we got his new glasses . We only had the choice of one style and purple or blue . So far, though he doesn't like them, he has kept them on. He is a little champ.

I still feel very sad ... it is my fault . He is still at risk of experiencing other problems -Optic Glioma in either eye - his right (good eye) or Left eye (hard to monitor this as well because they can't see the disc) .It is related to a genetic disease he has (and I have).My cousin (now 23 lost all the vision in one of her eye at age 2 from this). Worry 101.





Also, he is anaemic because he is the child who never ate baby food ...even rice cereal .Everything was refused and gagged on . He still pretty much eats NOTHING but rice, crackers sometimes custard, yoghurt and chocolate ! plus a few sour lollies.

(this is my mum feeding him at about 7 months- my hands are not that old LOL)

(It was puree pear)

Current foods he sometimes eats: the food mentioned above, cheerios, fries, chips/crisps, pretzels, some cookies , small amount of pasta with mince bolognaise sauce, alphagettio's and very recently small pieces of bacon, grapes and apple. Sometimes he will at a little bread.

Current foods rejected: meat, fish, chicken, vegetables, cheese, eggs ... Not one vegetable unless it is mixed in with bolognaise sauce and so fine he can't see it ...everything else healthy , do I really need to go on?

This week he ate barely nothing. I know he has lost weight. We started him on liquid iron to hopefully stimulate his appetite too. If I don't 'nurse' him during the day he still refuses to eat when well... he just grazes on what he wants .The rest he 'pegs' it across the table or onto the floor. New foods - well he just shakes his head and pushes it away too.

Any suggestions on how to get him to eat ?
J eats very well ... no worries on his appetite.

♥

Sticky Fingers and Sour squirms

I have learnt to live with the stickiness of my little munchkins fingers - over everything. Then there is the constant exploring of all things with buttons .

So now all the finger marks are higher and they can reach more things.Sadly , his crawling days are almost behind him ... my babies are now fully fledged toddlers.

S & J love of pressing my buttons hasn't diminished ... the television (but they don't watch it -only to press the buttons on/off) ,remotes, dishwasher , the front loader and my mobile phone. OM gosh the tantrums when I refuse to let them have it or if one happens upon it ( they look for it now too) and the other tries to snaffle it ...

Today, I thought I had lost my mobile phone. My eldest DS and I were looking everywhere.I was ringing the number but we couldn't hear it. I had just been to the post office to collect a parcel (tell you about that tomorrow). I phoned the Post Office via the stupid 13 number ... after they made me press 50 buttons I finally got to speak to a person and then after another 20 mins got transferred to my local PO. Then waited while he apparently went looking for it. Nothing. So we looked again and DS found it - where I told him it was all along.

During the day my husband had also called the land line (house phone) and I wondered why ... and why I missed a few other calls. O'Duh ... The phone was set to silent ...thanks J - he has a real knack at working those buttons. I have to learn the key lock feature or keep it out of reach and to leave DH or DS number as last calls so if he calls them it won't cost me.

S is now more confident with walking and even more so climbing. Saturday night he pushed the dining chair over to the kitchen sink stood on it and looked as if he was planning to wash the dishes when he reached for the dish washing liquid.... good training. It was very funny and cute - he was grinning as if to say I am very clever.

I discovered my little S loves sour tastes ... yes he is the one who won't eat real food ... one day it was lemons, cumquats and today it was sour lollies called squirms (jelly worms with sour coating)

We had a eye appointment checkup for J at the children's hospital. When I get J out - S raises the roof and wants out too. I was prepared today.

The face S makes is priceless when he eats them , and I made sure I saved a few of them. The sticky fingers and the quiet were worth it. He was very good today ...once I gave him the squirms. J's eyes were all good too. Next appointments for their eyes is March.

I am going to buy a bucketload of sour lollies tomorrow. They are from Natural confectionery food company people in case are wondering about the artificial colours and flavours - nil. They are yum. My Mum loves sour worms too.

This boy takes after me ... he can smell the chocolate a mile away too but he really only likes a little taste (that's all he is allowed LOL). J wanted a squirm too but he isn't as fussed on the sour stuff.

I also must pick up some real toothbrushes for S 's 4 teeth if I am to break my rule about never giving them lollies /candy etc .... oh well I tried. On the tooth front J is also cutting another top tooth (#6) and tonight he wanted a lot of lovin'. Poor Bubba

White eye Reflection ...

Looking back I am right here with wanting to get this week over too and it has only just started.

The past few weeks I have been so worried about S. I noticed when I was downloading photos to upload to my blog June 29th that Sam's left pupil had an unusual white reflection. I couldn't get it out of my mind. Dr Google had me envisioning some scary things ... leukocoria .

Though I knew from a previous eye examination one eye had an abnormality found normally in some people where the myelin sheath that surrounds the optic nerve is partially obscuring his disc but not in away that affects his vision at the moment.

myelin is the covering of the individual nerves that make up the optic nerve.
Normally myelin stops where the optic nerve enters the eye

but his didn't in left eye. Just means that makes it very hard to see his optic disc and a big problem should he develop an optic glioma -which was why he had an eye appointment 3 months to monitor for this. [That is another story related to a genetic disease he has (12% possibility of getting this and my cousin (22) did have one 20 years ago)].

I wasn't sure which eye it was. So I rang Westmead Children's Hospital about 2 weeks ago to ask someone from the eye clinic. Someone checked his medical records and conferred with me it was the left eye and that is was possible it was causing the white pupil reflex instead of red but that should see him to make sure. I was able to get an appointment for 30th July - today.

I hardly sleep much last night ... felt compelled to Google last evening and I should have known better . So it was running over and over in my head.I was so worried my precious baby had something more awful.I can't even say it out loud. I also found it in other photos since 19th June and one my niece took.

Thank God ! it is still just the myelinated sheath that is causing the white eye reflex. He may also be shortsighted in that eye and develop a turn (manageable/repairable but again something I would rather not happen). Today, his vision was fine ~ sadly I saw a blind little girl there today about 2-3 years. I can imagine a world without my sight.

Though I am almost blind in my right eye from a head injury I received at school when I was about 8 ~ causing concussion and bruising to my right forehead/eye and a undetected, partially detached retina. It was too late by the time they picked it up. I'd say I would be technically blind in that eye as I only have peripheral vision but I can't remember it any other way .

So just days before their birthday I went from being a super high to the lowest low - and I couldn't share it either.I'm over it at this point and feel a bit guilty for giving him this ... the last few days I have just felt speechless and on edge.

Everyone please note - white eye reflection is not normal and you should get a referral to Opthamologist asap if you see it in your photos. It could be life threathening if left unchecked.

It is a simple examination.The only part where he was a bit uncomfortable was when they put drops in to dilate his eyes. It is very quick when they did it and S didn't cry too long. It wasn't a painful cry, it was probably more of annoyance to him to have something squirted in his eye. It takes about 30 mins for the eyes to fully dilate. Though he also didn't like the tape patch on his eye and being held down for them to see. I forgot to take his sunnies for afterwards - too as the eyes are sensitive to light for a while.

Today, I also had to make an appointment for J to have a head u/s too because his head circumference has gone from 50 %tile to 95%tile and Paed just wants to make sure ? As if I don't need something else to worry about ... it isn't till 14th August.