Help Lucas Preserve His Eyesight

Asking for help has never been my strong suit, but when it comes to the quality of life of my son, I have no choice.

Lucas was sitting in his 2nd grade class when his teacher realized he was struggling to see the whiteboard. Not too long after, we got him to the ophthalmologist, and his eyes were worse off than we thought. He was very nearsighted, and both of his eyes were already in the -2.00s. As soon as he got his first new set of glasses, he was amazed at what he had been missing out on. The street lights were suddenly clear; he could see the birds in the sky. It was almost like he was seeing the world again for the first time. It was heart-warming to hear his happiness, but it also felt bittersweet because he was missing out on so much. This was the beginning of our eyesight journey... and me never having to deal with glasses, I didn't know what I would be in for.

In about the next year or so, we went to get his annual eye exam. Being the novice that I am in eye health, I didn't think much was going to change, but it did. His vision got worse so much that he is now in the -3.00s for nearsightedness. The track for his eyes was not looking good. An increase of a prescription that much in a year was concerning. Myopia management was discussed, but we were not referred out to a specialist.

On November 25, we went in for his annual eye check-up again. It was heartbreaking to see him going through his exam. A letter that was large and as clear as day he couldn't see without his glasses on. You could see and hear the sadness within him when he answered, "I can't see it." I have never had a vision issue, and my sight is something I have probably taken for granted. Hearing your child say that they can't see you when you're standing in front of them or see the things around them is the most heartbreaking thing for a parent to hear.

The doctor that we had seen is now referring him out for Myopia Management over the concern of how quickly it has been developing. Retinal detachment and complete blindness are now a big concern as his prescription increases. This was the most scary thing I have heard. The anxiety that my kid can be completely blind before he graduates high school and not be able to experience the beauty of life and the world.

We have made our myopia management appointment for January. They have gone over the cost upfront when making the appointment, and I was taken aback. Vision insurance nor medical insurance covers anything. All treatments, office visits, and tests are all out of pocket.

Average total for first-year myopia management treatment: $2,700.

As a one-income household who is already living paycheck to paycheck, there is no way I could afford this. This is why I am here asking for any help to help Lucas preserve the eyesight he has and let him be able to see his future.