More on Infant Contacts for Aphakic Children

The contact Tommy uses is a Bausch and Lomb Silsoft lens.  We didn't have a choice of lenses, this is just what our ophthalmologist prescribed.  These are extended wear (our doctor recommends changing weekly, although the package insert says that some people change them monthly).  Upon further research, I'm happy he chose these!

Most ophthalmology text books recommend the following guidelines for infant contacts:
1.  Lenses should have maximum oxygen permeability
2.  Lenses should have variety of power options available
3.  Infant lenses need a steeper base curve
4.  Infant lenses need small diameters
5.  Lenses need to be easy to handle and fairly sturdy
6.  Lenses need to be able to tolerate medication administration
7.  Lenses should be reproducible
Source:  Scalfani L.  Aphakia. In: Horn MM and Bruce AS, eds. Manual of Contact Lens Prescribing and Fitting. 3rd Ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Inc, 2006; 577-8.

Silsoft lenses meet all criteria- AND they are extended wear, which makes it easier for our busy family.  In addition, Bausch and Lomb has great customer service.  Tommy's contact was ~2.5 months old and it began to cause eye irritation (red and itchy while contact was in).  I called the manufacturer to inquire about potential problems, and they were very helpful.  They sent me a new lens (at no charge!) and sent a postage-paid mailing label to send his old one back so they could examine it.  The new lens came within 5 days as promised.

I found an interesting link while researching them... some of you may find this helpful: http://www.revoptom.com/content/d/news_review/c/18417/dnnprintmode/true/?skinsrc=%5Bl%5Dskins/ro2009/pageprint&containersrc=%5Bl%5Dcontainers/ro2009/simple

I've read a little bit about other lenses, but have no experience, so here is just a listing:  Flexlens (daily wear), Kontur Kontacts (daily wear), Alden Optical Lenses... and I am sure this is not a complete list!

He Can See!

Our last visit to the ophthalmologist was fairly boring (and quite short!).  At 4 months old (3 months post-op) it consists only of an extensive eye exam.  The last visit didn't even include dilating!  I'm not complaining... just surprised.  I keep expecting things like EUA (exam under anesthesia) or lengthy visits or dilating or glasses prescriptions... and was happily surprised with a dismissive "We'll see him back in 4 months!"

We always have a few questions.  One question we've always wondered about and never dared ask was "will he be able to see out of that eye?"  And the doc seemed surprised at the question and replied "Oh, he can see!  We won't know what his vision will be, but we hope it to be 20/70 or 20/50."  What wonderful news!!  If Tommy didn't have one "good eye" and had 20/70 vision, he could drive during the day.  If he had 20/50 he could drive unrestricted.  We don't have to worry about that, assuming his "good eye" has normal vision.  Our doc called his aphakic eye his "spare tire eye".  If the "good eye" goes bad (macular degeneration or something) he has this eye to back him up.  It was wonderful news!  I'll take a boring visit any day!

I did it!

Tommy has become an expert at losing contacts.  So far, we have found them: in his car seat, on the wood floor, on the carpet, in his swing, and at daycare.  Each time I stress out and panic.  But, I have now successfully inserted his contact twice- with no crying (for either of us!)  I've also managed to take it out twice.  Since I am slightly (OK very) squeamish about eyes- I am quite proud of myself!  I never thought I'd be able to do it... if I can do it, anyone can!  If only I could figure out how to make him keep the contact in (and the patch on)...