Here we go, again.

*sigh*
My sweet Gabriela was diagnosed with intermittent Strabismus exotropia when she was almost a year old. Strabismus is an eye-alignment disorder. Thankfully, we were referred to one of the foremost authorities on strabismus Dr. David Granet, a pediatric ophthamologist at UCSD's Shiley Eye Center in La Jolla.
Initially, we tried patch therapy to preserve the vision in the drifting eye.

After about six months of patching, it was suggested that it was prudent to have bilateral strabismus surgery on the outside muscles of her eyes. We thought long and hard about the surgery because it is a serious surgery.  There is no guarantee that it will help and it could possibly make things worse.  However, it was the only option that would maintain her eyesight.  The surgery was a success!  Here are some shots from before and after her surgery. 

We noticed, about six months ago, that Gabriela's eye was occassionally drifting out of alignment again. Although, she has been able to self-correct her alignment by focusing on a close item, this exercise was becoming a futile effort as her eye was misaligning more and more.  Therefore, we met with Dr. Granet again.  
It is time to do strabismus surgery again; however, this time on the inside muscles.  It will be a much longer recovery time and since the muscles will be disconnected, and reattached tighter, the surgery carries more risk.  :(  I hate this.  Additionally, she will need to do vigorous eye exercises in conjunction with the surgery.  Sweet baby girl.  I remember seeing her leave with the anesthesiologist during her first surgery (one of the pictures above) and it broke my heart. 
Well, here we go again. 
Her surgery will take place in June, after school is out.  On a happier note, here are some cute pictures of her sporting the disposable glasses offered after dilation and my sunglasses which she thought were far cuter.  :)  Love that baby girl!