Childhood Glaucoma

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childhood glaucomaThis is our last article this month to raise awareness for National Glaucoma Month. Many people do not know that glaucoma can also strike children and can be a congenital birth defect that may be inherited. Please read on to learn more about the signs to look for in your children or grandchildren.

Childhood Glaucoma

Source: http://www.glaucoma.org/glaucoma/childhood-glaucoma-1.php

recognition signs of childhood glaucoma: extreme fussiness, large prominent eyes, excessive tearing (epiphora), closed eyes in bright light (photophobia), cloudy corneas, one eye larger than the other, poor vision, red eyesChildhood glaucoma — also referred to as congenital glaucoma, pediatric, or infantile glaucoma — occurs in babies and young children. It is usually diagnosed within the first year of life.

This is a rare condition that may be inherited, caused by incorrect development of the eye’s drainage system before birth. This leads to increased intraocular pressure, which in turn damages the optic nerve.

Symptoms of childhood glaucoma include enlarged eyes, cloudiness of the cornea, and photosensitivity (sensitivity to light).

How is Childhood Glaucoma Treated?

In an uncomplicated case, surgery can often correct such structural defects. Both medication and surgery are required in some cases.

Medical treatments may involve the use of topical eye drops and oral medications. These treatments help to either increase the exit of fluid from the eye or decrease the production of fluid inside the eye. Each result in lower eye pressure.

There are two main types of surgical treatments: filtering surgery and laser surgery. Filtering surgery (also known as micro surgery) involves the use of small surgical tools to create a drainage canal in the eye. In contrast, laser surgery uses a small but powerful beam of light to make a small opening in the eye tissue.

What to Expect

Thousands of children with glaucoma can live full lives. This is the goal of glaucoma management. Although lost vision cannot be restored, it is possible to optimize each child’s remaining vision. Equally important is to encourage your child’s independence and participation in his or her own self-care.

Signs of Childhood Glaucoma

  1. Unusually large eyes
  2. Excessive tearing
  3. Cloudy eyes
  4. Light sensitivity

Help Now, Hope for the Future

At Glaucoma Research Foundation, we work every day to support children diagnosed with glaucoma to maximize and maintain their eyesight and live full and fulfilling lives. Our programs allow children and their families to see a better tomorrow as we work toward the cure. With the continued financial support of the community, and the involvement of people dedicated to helping, we can make sure that in the future no child needs to suffer from glaucoma.