Pediatric Glaucoma: Rare but Serious – Here’s What Parents Must Know
Pediatric glaucoma, also called childhood glaucoma or congenital glaucoma, is a rare but serious eye condition that affects infants and children. Unlike adult glaucoma which develops slowly, pediatric glaucoma can cause rapid vision loss if not treated promptly. At LJ Eye Institute (LJEI) Patiala, our pediatric ophthalmology specialists provide expert diagnosis and management of this sight-threatening disorder.
What is Pediatric Glaucoma?
Glaucoma occurs when increased eye pressure (intraocular pressure or IOP) damages the optic nerve. In children, this happens because of:
- Abnormal development of the eye’s drainage system
- Genetic factors (about 10% of cases are inherited)
- Secondary causes like eye injuries or other eye diseases
Types of Pediatric Glaucoma
1. Primary Congenital Glaucoma (Most Common)
- Present at birth or develops in first 3 years
- Caused by malformation of the eye’s drainage angle
- Accounts for 50-70% of childhood glaucoma cases
2. Juvenile Open-Angle Glaucoma
- Develops in older children (4+ years)
- Similar to adult glaucoma but occurs earlier
- Often inherited (autosomal dominant pattern)
3. Secondary Glaucoma
Caused by other conditions:
- Eye trauma
- Cataracts
- Steroid use
- Inflammation (uveitis)
- Systemic diseases like Sturge-Weber syndrome
Warning Signs Every Parent Should Know
1. In Infants (0-12 months):
- Excessive tearing (when not crying)
- Light sensitivity (photophobia)
- Cloudy or enlarged cornea (hazy appearance)
- One eye appearing larger than the other
- Redness that doesn’t go away
2. In Older Children:
- Complaints of eye pain or headaches
- Blurred or decreasing vision
- Difficulty adjusting to darkness
- Seeing rainbow-colored halos around lights
- Squinting or frequent eye rubbing
Diagnosis at LJ Eye Institute Patiala
Our pediatric glaucoma specialists use child-friendly diagnostic methods:
- Tonometry (measuring eye pressure) with special pediatric tonometers
- Corneal diameter measurement (enlargement suggests glaucoma)
- Optic nerve examination using advanced imaging (OCT)
- Gonioscopy to examine drainage angle structure
- Examination under anesthesia for very young children
Treatment Options for Childhood Glaucoma
1. Surgical Treatments (Primary Option)
- Goniotomy: Microscopic opening of blocked drainage channels
- Trabeculotomy: Creating new drainage pathways
- Glaucoma drainage devices: Implanting tiny tubes to regulate pressure
2. Medical Management
- Eye drops to reduce fluid production
- Oral medications (rarely, for short-term use)
- Used alongside surgery in most cases
3. Ongoing Care
- Lifelong monitoring even after successful treatment
- Vision therapy if developmental delays occur
- Regular pressure checks (weekly initially, then less frequently)
Why Early Detection is Crucial
- Vision Loss is Permanent: Once optic nerve damage occurs, it cannot be reversed
- Amblyopia Risk: The brain may “ignore” the affected eye if vision differs between eyes
- Better Surgical Outcomes: Early treatment leads to higher success rates
- Prevents Blindness: Untreated pediatric glaucoma can lead to complete vision loss
Living with Pediatric Glaucoma: What Parents Should Know
- Treatment is lifelong – even after successful surgery
- Multiple surgeries may be needed as the child grows
- Regular follow-ups are essential (monthly initially, then 3-6 months)
- Protective eyewear is recommended for sports/play
- School accommodations may be needed for vision challenges
Why Choose LJ Eye Institute for Pediatric Glaucoma Care?
- Specialized Pediatric Glaucoma Team – Experts in delicate childhood eye surgery
- Child-Friendly Environment – Reduces anxiety during examinations
- Advanced Diagnostic Technology – Precise pressure measurements and imaging
- Comprehensive Care Approach – From diagnosis through adulthood transition