Behind the Glasses

Our second born son was diagnosed with a congenital cataract on both eyes (bilateral) when he is about 5 months old. Congenital Cataract means that the eye's natural lens is cloudy instead of clear.

We were advised by our Ophthalmologist that cataract surgery is needed to be performed as soon as possible to ensure that vision is clear enough to allow normal development of the baby's vision system.

After the first operation

Since we cannot afford the operation cost in Medical City, we opted to have it in PGH. Gael was supposed to have both cataracts removed at the same time but due to unforeseen circumstances, the doctors needed to do the procedure separately.

After the second operation

To make the long story short, he was operated on both eyes when he was on his 6th-month. We were given the prescription for his eyeglasses which he needs to wear until such time that he is ready for the intraocular lens implant.

Yesterday, we got his third glasses; this is after 3 weeks without it. This has been his best friend and we will continue to enjoy this for now.

with his new glasses

Our family has been so grateful to have people whom God is using to bless us. We may not know the reason why God allowed this to happen to our child but we continue to trust Him. Every time my eldest son would ask why God allowed Gael to have this kind of eye condition, we always tell him, "God allowed it because He has a plan" and because God is good, we can rest that His plans are always the best! We also assure him that in heaven, his brother will have a perfect vision, that in heaven, there's no sickness, no disease. Focusing on the silver lining in this situation makes this bearable for our family rather than dwelling on the negative side of it.

"The Lord said to him, "Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the LORD?" ~ Exodus 4:11 NIV

 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." ~ Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~ Jeremiah 29:11 NIV