We have noticed that Ford's right eye often crosses when he turns his head. For the first three months, this can be normal, but the pediatrician said that if it continues when he is six months old, we need to see a specialist. Well, six months came and Ford still crossed that poor little right eye. So, we made an appointment. We saw Dr. Sherman today (very friendly!), who is a pediatric eye specialist, and he dialated Ford's eyes. Almost immediately, he told us that Ford has Duane's Syndrome (aka DR syndrome or Duane's Retraction Syndrom). I will include two links to help explain, but from my basic understanding, what it means is that Ford's left eye has an inability to turn outward any further than looking straight on. Because of this, his right eye will often go inward too far to overcompensate. The cause for this condition is unknown. They do know that it happens during gestation, and the cause is either environmental or hereditary. Because the cranial nerves and ocular muscles are developed between the 3rd-8th week of pregnancy, that is when they believe the disturbance happens.
There is no simple solution or fix. Ford will just learn to cope. Instead of being able to "look" left, he will have to turn his head to see. Simple things will help him as he grows...requesting that he sit on the left side of a classroom, for example. And certain occupations are ruled out...surgeon, pilot, etc. Additionally, we need to get his hearing checked. Approximately 20% of people with DR syndrome also have hearing problems. (But, I think he hears fine.)
As a parent, I just do not want Ford to be made-fun-of. I realize that there will be times when his eye will cross, no matter how used to it he becomes, and kids can be cruel. But it could be worse...so we are thankful that God made it obvious enough to catch early, so we can get some other things checked out, and we can help him learn how to adjust to it.
Below are some links about DR Syndrome:
http://www.genome.gov/11508984
http://www.mrcophth.com/eyeclipartchua/duanesyndrome.html
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My daughter was diagnosed with Duane's Syndrome when she was 3 months old. She is now 9. She is a beautiful little girl. Unfortunately because of kid’s comments and looks her self esteem is really low. She is in Martial Arts; she is in several clubs at her school and at the local YMCA. She does see a counselor as an extra support. She often talks about it to us. She often states that she feels lonely because she doesn’t know anyone else who has this eye condition. The most important thing that we taught her was that no matter what we love her and we listen. My daughter is a published poet who loves to read and write. She excels in learning and is always in honor classes at school. My email address is taracampbell99@yahoo.com. Deanna (my daughter) would love to hear from you all.
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