Icare guest post

Last year, we expanded the Icare Lending Library at Duke Eye Center to include families at Penn State Hershey Medical Center. Wesley is one of the latest recipients of an Icare tonometer to monitor his glaucoma. This is his story, written by his mother, Jennifer:

Wesley was born in May 2020. When the nurses and doctors were conducting his screening immediately after birth, they noticed something wasn’t typical with Wesley’s eyes. Both his eyes were clouded over to the point of not being able to see the iris and pupil, they looked much larger than typical, and he was extremely sensitive to light. 
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Wesley was referred that day to Penn State Hershey Medical Center. At three days old Wesley took the journey to Hershey and received his official diagnosis of congenital glaucoma. The doctors were able to lower his pressures with drops until he had grown more and was a better candidate for anesthesia. Until then, it was weekly visits to have his pressures monitored. At one month old, Wesley had a trabeculotomy in one eye and a goniotomy in the other eye to reduce the pressure. Along with a regimen of drops, his pressures have been fairly stable since his surgery.

Having an iCare tonometer at home has been life changing for our family. In a time and situation where we feel like we have little control, this tool allows us to monitor his pressures at home and communicate with his specialist. When we are concerned about how his eyes look or he seems uncomfortable, we are able to check his pressures and call the doctor, if needed. By taking our pressure data sheets to appointments, it allows the doctor to see important trends and how his prescription regimen is helping him. Together, we are able to make sure Wesley has the most informed and best care possible!

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