VEP and Eye Exam

Owen had his second attempt at his visual evoked potential (VEP) test yesterday at Children's Hospital in Boston.  We attempted this test a few months ago, but Owen refused to wake up for it and therefore it could not be completed.  Thankfully, Owen decided to cooperate yesterday and was awake and alert for his entire eye appointment.  This tests consists of electrodes placed on Owen's head and then he looks at a screen of black and white moving lines.  The goal is to evaluate the visual pathways to the brain.  The moving pattern Owen looks at creates electrical activity in the brain which is then measured by the electrodes.

Owen has 20/150 vision.  This means that if someone with normal vision can see something 150 ft away, Owen has to stand 20 ft from the same object before he can see it.  Owen has earned himself a certificate for being legally blind! Actually, this is really encouraging because there was visual response- there could have been nothing.  This test has confirmed what we thought- Owen has some level of vision, but it is not good.  Also, this test does not tell us how he is interpreting the information his brain receives from his eyes.  Based on Mommy Instinct, I would say that Owen has the ability to see drastic variants in light and dark.  He prefers bright lights that move.  He does not gaze lovingly at my face and register that he is looking at me.  This last bit is fine because I know, for sure, that he knows his Mommy (must be that he can smell me!).

Owen does not need glasses- he is neither nearsighted nor farsighted.  I was a bit surprised when the doctor told me this.  I didn't think evaluating Owen for glasses was even on the table! Either way, he doesn't have a visual impairment that requires them so it is a moot point.

The past week with Owen has been going great.  He is very much awake and alert.  He is very tolerant of being on his own and exploring his toys.  It is wonderful to see my guy in such a great place.  The month of December was wrought with sleepiness and sickness.  Owen has fully recovered from his RSV and his breathing sounds great.  Still hates his car seat, but that is another issue for another day.

Pete and I are very excited about the VEP results.  His vision might be very low, but there is something there!  We now can really focus on providing him with visual opportunities without constantly wondering is he is actually responding or just randomly turning his head or body.  He really loved looking at our Christmas tree- I might just have to put one up year round!