One yr old wakes up with a lazy eye

Hi doctors thank you for noticing my post!!!! I am freaking out after reading all the info on lazy eyes!!!!!!!!! My one yr old daughter isabella.......... when she wakes up her left eye seems to be turned outword (not exactly focused) for a few seconds...... this only happens as she wakes up.......... while shes awake and using her eyes they seem fine, i never notice the left one 'wandering'........ is this normal?

Scared mommy

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

No it is not normal. It would be called "intermittent exotrophia". See a pediatric ophthalmologist. In USA find one at www.aao.org or ask your peds to stet up a referral.

JCH MD

[julianovak]

Dear Dr. Hagan, thank you for your advice. I really appriciate your time in writing back =)  I am more at ease now after reading up on "intermittent exotrophia"-- I have hope that whatever is wrong will be fine one day. I am seeing a specialist like you said. My childs pedi. refered isabella to that doctor. I just hope they will notice what i do as it happens rarely- only when she wakes up. God Bless Your practice- you seem very wise!!!!!

Much Thanks, Julia

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

You are welcome Julia. Most children with IXT as its abbreviated do fine, do not require surgery and have good vision in both eyes and good steropsis (depth perception) most of the time.

JCH MD

[julianovak]

HIIIIII----- we had an apt. with a eye specialist(for kids) and he checked her eyes and said her vision seems perfect, and just to follow up on this problem in 4 months, to make sure everything either stays the same or gets better. if it gets worse of course well decide on what to do next. im keeping my fingers crossed, because i wouldnt want to opt for surgery without my childs consent to it, and ofcourse she is too small to say anything so i hope time is really on our side!!!!!!!! im so happy my child has perfect vision- that wAs my main concern, =) its relief!!!!! Thank you for your time.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Glad the first exam went well. Kids change fast. Be sure to keep follow up appointments as directed by the pediatric ophthalmologist.

JCH MD