When Emi Cruz-Garcia was just six weeks old, her mother noticed something unusual about her daughter’s eyes. After consulting a pediatric ophthalmologist, Emi was diagnosed with cataracts, a condition that clouds the eye’s natural lens. Surgery successfully removed the cataracts, but it left Emi needing thick glasses to see clearly.
Emi’s parents found these glasses cumbersome and sought alternatives. “The glasses were so tiny, but looked so big on her face,” Garcia recalled. They were advised by their doctor that fitting contact lenses for babies can be difficult. However, they were referred to the Duke Eye Center in North Carolina, which has expertise in fitting custom contact lenses for infants.
Duke pediatric optometrist Qiaohui Wei White explained the benefits of aphakic contact lenses: “They act as a substitute for the eye’s natural refractive lens… But getting them fitted properly requires a degree of skill, experience, and unique technology.” At Duke Eye Center, precise measurements were taken to customize Emi’s lenses. The center provided training to Garcia and Cruz on how to manage these lenses for their infant.
Garcia described seeing Emi with contacts as an amazing moment: “It was amazing just to see her face of wonder.” Dr. Wei White noted that Emi’s vision with contacts is better than average. Emi now visits Duke for regular checkups every six months.
Garcia praised the care at Duke Eye Center: “Everyone whose kids have vision problems should bring their kids to Duke… They are truly a blessing and an answer to your prayers.”
