Opthamology Update

Sonzee went to the amazing Dr. Cassidy last on Thursday.  He is a local CVI guru here in Phoenix (so we are told).  This was just a follow up to our summer appointment, so she did not have her eyes dilated.  Here are some quick facts regarding vision and update on the Sonzee Bear.

• ·     Cortical visual impairment (CVI) is a decreased visual response due to a neurological problem affecting the visual part of the brain. 

CVI Resolution Chart by Christine Roman-Lantzy, Ph.D.

·         Phase I Building Visual Behavior Level I Enironmental Considerations

·         Phase II Integrating Vision with Function. Level II Environmental Considerations

·         Phase III Resolution of CVI Characteristics Level III Environmental Considerations

·         CVI Characteristics	·         Range 1-2 (0)	·         Range 3-4 (.25)	·         Range 5-6 (.50)	·         Range 7-8(.75)	·         Range 9-10 (1)
·         COLOR	·         Objects viewed are generally single color	·         Has "favorite" color	·         Objects may have 2-3 colors	·         More colors, familiar patterns regarded	·         No color or pattern preferences
·         MOVEMENT	·         Objects viewed generally have movement/reflective properties	·         More consistent localization, brief fixations on movement & reflective materials	·         Movement continues to be an important factor to initiate visual attention	·         Movement not required for attention at near	·         Typical responses to moving targets
·         LATENCY	·         Prolonged periods of visual latency	·         Latency slightly decreases after periods of consistent viewing	·         Latency present only when student is tired, stressed or over-stimulated	·         Latency rarely present	·         Latency resolved
·         VISUAL VIELDS	·         Distinct field dependency	·         Shows visual field preferences	·         Field preferences decreasing with familiar inputs	·         May alternate use of right and left fields	·         Visual fields unrestricted

• ·     Ambliopyia is commonly known as lazy eye, is the eye condition noted by reduced vision not correctable by glasses or contact lenses and is not due to any eye disease. The brain does not fully acknowledge the images seen by the amblyopic eye.

Sonzee was given a score of 2-3 on the CVI scale.  This scale ranges from 1-10, with 10 being basically normal vision.  During our last appointment Sonya was given a 3-4.  It is normal for her vision to fluctuate on a day to day basis depending on her level of tiredness as well as seizure activity.  She had had a seizure about 6 hours prior to her appointment, so that can play a role in her range.  

She is able to focus on an object after it is presented in about 5 seconds.  She holds her attention on the object for just 2-3 seconds, and then she is "bored".  Our goal will be to increase her ability to maintain attention for longer periods of time.  We are to use any method to get her to focus; light up toys, animated voices, really you name it, we will try it.

We are also going to begin patching to help her amblyopia.  This will hopefully help her maintain focus easier without having "ADD of the eyes" (ps that is my description not a medical professional comparison).  

Sonya is not receiving glasses at this time, but we will be following her vision closely and have our next appointment scheduled for December.

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