Post Ophthalmology Visit Follow-up Report

Jennifer was evaluated by a Neuro-Ophthalmologist at WVU today, an eye doctor who has done sub-specialty training in the nerves of the eye. 

The doctor who evaluated her today was a little older than us (read: old) and said that he has seen "many" Cranial Nerve III injuries, but only two related to bicycle accidents. In general, he said that a traumatic CNIII injury involves "massive forces".  Most of his patients with a traumatic CNIII injury have been involved in motor vehicle accidents or similar high velocity events (he did mention one related to a baseball bat to the head). 

Overall, he expressed extreme gratitude for Jennifer's recovery and, I think, it's safe to say that most of his patients have not experienced the degree of recovery which she has at the 2 month mark. That said, he said it is now a waiting game. Like we have heard soooo many times now, the recovery time line is about 6 months. Where she lands functionally at the six month mark is probably where she will be permanently - though there may be slight incremental improvement up to the one year mark.

Jennifer is not wearing a patch much at all now. And the doctor encouraged her to continue leave the patch off - and use it only when she is experiencing eye fatigue which is causing more double vision. She has little double vision looking straight ahead at distance. It's only with downward and upward vision that she is experiencing some double vision. He said that at this point we can pretty much rule out any need for corrective (strabismus-like) surgery (Hallelujah!).  There is some slight possible that she could benefit from "prism glasses" (little wedges of glass in the eyeglasses that bend the light and bring two images into one)--but that would not be decided until the six month mark.

Her right pupil continues to be dilated more than the left and her lens doesn't "accommodate" as well on the right which makes reading slightly more difficult with that eye.  But at distance (with her glasses) she has 20/20 in her right (bad) eye--but than her left eye which is 20/25.

So...she has a follow-up appointment in 2 months (late January to assess her progress).  Until then we continue with her "Brain (MIND) diet" (read: Mediterranean diet), her independent physical therapy, lots of rest/sleep, general exercise--and prayer.

Thanks to all for prayers and all the generally encouraging messages she continues to receive.