Hello, my name is Kelly:
I have a 13 year old son, who was born
with unilateral Microphthalmia (small eye). This left him with a
very noticeable cosmetic difference in his eyes. I will never forget
the way that I felt upon learning about scleral shells. I had, of
course, heard of artificial eyes before, but I hadn't realized that
a cosmetic device could be worn over an unhealthy sightless eye.
I had taken my son for a diagnosis
with a Pediatric Ophthalmologist when he was just over a week old.
It was here that I learned about scleral shells. I had spent the
previous week dealing with the fact that my new born son would
have to live with a deformity. And now I was being told that there
was a device that would give him a "normal" appearance. We all
know how cruel some people can be regarding anything different. I
am so grateful to my Ocularist for my son's facial symmetry.
Even though I was thrilled for the
prospect of my son having a "normal" appearance, I was very
apprehensive about having him fitted with the prosthesis. I
wanted him to have it, but I didn't think that I was a strong
enough person emotionally to deal with putting it in and out. I
thank God that I found the strength.
He was fitted around the age of
1 year for his first lens. After the first month it stayed in
all of the time. Around 1 1/2 years - 3 years, we had many,
many discharge problems which were all related to a blocked
tear duct. An operation cleared that up, and now we only have
the occasional problem with discharge.
I talk openly, and honestly
with my son about his lens. There are many ways to view what
you are given in life. I can't say that I've made a
conscious effort to keep a positive attitude regarding eye
issues...that comes naturally. Because I know, and my
son knows that he has been blessed with sight. And he is
very lucky to be living in an era that has scleral shells.
I'd love to communicate
further with either parents, or ocular prosthetic
patients.
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