Unsure about the first steps?
Learn the signs of pediatric glaucoma and how to protect your child’s vision.
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can harm your optic nerve, often due to high eye pressure. This happens when the fluid in your eye (aqueous humor) doesn’t drain as it should. While it’s more common in adults, glaucoma can affect people of all ages, including children. For kids, it’s especially important to stay on top of regular check-ups since glaucoma is typically a lifelong condition.
Alternative Names for Pediatric Glaucoma are
- Congenital glaucoma: Occurs from birth to 3 years of age.
- Juvenile glaucoma: Develops after 3 years of age.
In some cases, glaucoma can be secondary, meaning it develops due to other factors or conditions, such as:
Conditions such as Rieger syndrome, aniridia (absence of an iris), Sturge-Weber syndrome, inflammation, neurofibromatosis, retinopathy of prematurity, long-term steroid use, trauma, and surgery to remove a cataract can increase the risk of developing glaucoma. However, not all patients with these conditions will develop glaucoma. It's important to stay proactive with eye health to catch any potential issues early.
Concerned about your child's eye health?
Let's explore the alternative names for pediatric glaucoma and what they mean.
Signs and Symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of pediatric glaucoma can include:
- Excessive tearing
- Eye pain (usually only if the pressure is very high; Most patients with glaucoma do not have pain.)
- Sensitivity to light
- Loss of peripheral (side) vision
- A large, cloudy cornea
Pediatric glaucoma can sometimes develop without any obvious signs, which is why regular eye check-ups are so important. If there’s a family history of glaucoma, your child may have a higher risk of developing it. Keeping an eye on their vision and seeking early consultation can help detect it even if no symptoms are present.
Concerned about your child's eye health?
Discover how pediatric glaucoma is diagnosed and the tests involved.
Diagnosis
To diagnose glaucoma in a child, the eye doctor (ophthalmologist) will conduct a thorough dilated eye exam. This may take place in the office or, if necessary, under general anesthesia in an operating room to ensure comfort and safety during the procedure. Early detection is key to effective management of the condition.
- Intraocular pressure (IOP) to measure the pressure inside the eye.
- The drainage angle of the eye
- Axial length (the length of the eye from front to back)
- Nerve cupping and damage by evaluating the size of the depression in the middle of the optic nerve.
- The focus power of the eye, since poorly controlled pressure can affect it
Unsure about your child's glaucoma?
Discover the available treatment options for pediatric glaucoma.
Treatment
Treatment for pediatric glaucoma focuses on lowering the child’s intraocular pressure (IOP). This is typically achieved through eye drops or oral medications prescribed by the doctor to help manage the pressure and prevent further damage. Early treatment is crucial for protecting the child’s vision and ensuring the best possible outcome.
If medication doesn’t effectively manage the condition, other treatment options may include:
- Trabeculotomy: A surgery designed to help eye fluid drain more effectively.
- Goniotomy: A procedure that opens up the drainage angle of the eye.
- Trabeculectomy: A surgery that helps drain eye fluid in children with glaucoma.
- Laser procedure: Used to destroy part of the ciliary body that produces the eye fluid.
Children with glaucoma often require multiple surgeries and frequent appointments to carefully manage the condition. Even a brief period of uncontrolled pressure in the eye can lead to permanent vision damage, so consistent monitoring and timely interventions are crucial to preserving their sight.
Home Care Tips
- Use eye drops or oral medication as prescribed by the child’s doctor or healthcare provider.
- Watch for any signs and symptoms that suggest eye pressure is not being controlled.
Keep your child's eyes on track.
Let’s explore the importance of regular follow-ups for pediatric glaucoma.
Regular follow-up appointments with an ophthalmologist are essential to monitor the child’s condition and ensure effective management of their glaucoma.
We're here to clear things up for you!
Q&A
1. What causes Glaucoma in children?
Childhood glaucoma can be caused by genetics or other eye conditions. If the cause is unknown, it’s referred to as primary glaucoma. If it results from another eye disorder, injury, or illness, it’s called secondary glaucoma.
2. Does childhood Glaucoma lead to blindness? developing?
Juvenile glaucoma is an uncommon eye condition that develops when the eye's drainage system doesn't form properly before birth. This causes increased pressure inside the eye, which can harm the optic nerve and, if not managed early, result in vision loss or blindness.