Question
My 7 year old was diagnosed with Duane's Syndrome when she was 3 months old. My understanding of this disorder of the eye is that it is not "fixable". My daughter has been to several eye specialists and each one states that she can get "cosmetic" surgery when she gets older. My concern is that her recent eye exam revealed that her vision in her left eye is 20/200. Her right eye is not affected by Duane's. I am afraid that this will affect her ability to be independent and drive and do other "normal" activities when she is older. My question is that, would she be a canidate for Lasik Surgery or would this be another... sorry, can't do anything about it. We are praying for some help. We live in Central Florida and am willing to travel to help her. Thank you very much. Very Concerned mom.
Answer
Duane's Syndrome is an uncommon congenital abnormality of ocular movement commonly accompanied by amblyopia.
Ocular motility of the affected eye can usually be improved with strabismus surgery by a Pediatric Ophthalmologist, improving the "cosmetic" appearance of the abnormal motility.
Unfortunately, the poor vision in the eye (20/200) typically cannot be improved by LASIK or or other measures. Children with Duane's, however, do not typically suffer from any significant visual disability in life and are able to drive and carry on normal visual activities.
They do have a reduction in depth perception when measured with standardized testing techniques which might preclude careers requiring perfect vision and depth perception (pilots, for example).
You should consider yourself a great Mom and rest assured that your daughter should have a visually full and rewarding future!
