“Turning the Tide: Surgery Gives 7-Year-Old His First Peaceful Night”

Fox News had been following Carter’s journey for years and discovered that his condition forces his eyelids to turn outwards, making it impossible for them to close.

“He cannot blink, he sleeps with his eyes open and is often experiencing lots of pain and discomfort because of this,” wrote Shai, Carter’s mother, on her GoFundMe page when she first decided to raise funds for surgery.

The initial goal was to raise at least $8,000 for an oculoplastic surgery—which involved removing skin from a different part of Carter’s body and grafting it onto his eyelids. In the end, they received more than $46,000. 

“I didn’t realize what a sense of community we really had,” she told the outlet. “It’s really crazy to feel so included.”

After the operation at UC San Diego was successful, Shai opened up about Carter’s first normal night of sleep—and boy, did it sound perfect.

“He slept until noon today,” Shai said in a interview “He got the best night’s sleep.”

Carter added, “I did not have my eye shields. I normally try to lay on my back but sometimes it’s not comfy.” 

Carter’s mother described him as a “champ” during the surgery, as well as the recovery process.

“He was able to play his games and he had the best attitude and didn’t complain about a single thing, even when he was in pain he said mom I think a little bit more medicine.”

Carter has since gone back to school and, although he will require follow-up appointments for the rest of his life, this surgery is expected to provide relief for the next 10 years.

In a Reddit thread posted yesterday, commenters shared their thoughts on the boy’s journey.

“Man that sounds like living in an absolute nightmare,” one person said. “Glad he was able to get surgery for this!”

“A mother’s love is strong with this one,” another wrote.

A third user wished him “the most restful sleep and wonderful dreams every night for the rest of his life.”

Although cervical ectropion is not a cause for concern, according to the Cleveland Clinic, lamellar ichthyosis is more serious.

It affects only one in every 100,000 individuals in the United States, but it’s more common in Norway, where an estimated one in 91,000 people are affected.

The disorder occurs when the genes responsible for the proteins found in the outermost layer of the skin mutate. Abnormalities, such as the impaired regulation of body temperature, water retention, and resistance to infections, can be observed. 

These mutations are the cause of 90% of lamellar ichthyosis cases. The other 10% is not as widely known, as some result from a deviation in various genes, while others are unknown.

Topical Emollients and Moisturizers

• Frequent application of emollients, such as petroleum jelly or urea-based creams, to soften and hydrate the skin, reducing scaling and discomfort.

Keratolytic Agents for Skin Shedding

• Use of keratolytics like salicylic acid or alpha-hydroxy acids to help exfoliate and remove thickened, scaly skin.

Prescription Retinoids

• Oral or topical retinoids (e.g., isotretinoin) to regulate skin cell turnover and reduce the severity of scaling.

Eyelid Surgery for Ectropion Correction

• Surgical procedures to tighten the eyelids and restore their natural position, improving eye closure and reducing exposure-related issues.

Intensive Hydration Therapy

• Overnight occlusion therapy using plastic wraps or special gloves after applying moisturizers to maximize skin hydration.

Antibiotic and Antifungal Creams

• Application of antibiotics or antifungals to treat or prevent secondary skin infections common in lamellar ichthyosis.

Regular Eye Lubrication

• Use of artificial tears or ophthalmic ointments to keep the eyes lubricated and prevent dryness and damage.

Humidifier Use

• Maintaining a humid indoor environment to prevent excessive drying of the skin and eyes.

Phototherapy

• Controlled exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light therapy under medical supervision to improve skin condition.

Customized Skincare Routine

• Dermatologist-recommended skincare regimens tailored to individual needs, including gentle exfoliation and barrier repair products.

• Cryotherapy for Localized Symptoms

  • Application of cold therapy to manage inflammation and discomfort in affected areas.

Antipruritic Medications

• Use of antihistamines or other antipruritic drugs to relieve itching associated with scaling and dryness.

Regular Dermatology Follow-Ups

• Routine check-ups with a dermatologist to monitor disease progression and adjust treatment plans as needed.