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| Unfortunately, children can develop glaucoma too, at any age, or even at birth. The good news is, early treatment greatly increases the odds of functioning vision through adulthood.
Just like in adult onset glaucoma, though, there aren't always symptoms. That's why regular eye exams are an important part of a child's wellness checks.
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| Congenital Glaucoma
Congenital glaucoma is caused by a malformation of the anterior chamber angle structures and outflow channels. The backup of fluids then causes increased pressure in the eye. The prognosis is good, however it requires lifelong follow up.
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Enlarged irises (called buphthalmous) are a hallmark of congenital glaucoma. |
| When glaucoma develops in children between the ages of 4 and 10, it is called late congenital glaucoma or developmental glaucoma. |
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Juvenile Glaucoma
Juvenile primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) occurs in young people who develop glaucoma between the ages of 10 and 35. Most have moderate to high myopia (nearsightedness). This condition is rare and is strongly related to genetics. In fact, POAG is known to be autosomal dominant, which means that only one copy of the gene responsible for POAG is needed to cause the disease. As a result, half of the children of an affected parent will have POAG. Because of this strong genetic link, research is underway to learn more about the gene in order to better treat and possibly prevent this condition.
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Sturge-Weber Syndrome
About one-third of children born with port-wine stains on the forehead and upper eyelid will develop glaucoma, which may occur at anytime before young adulthood.
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| The condition also involves blood vessel growth in the brain, sometimes causing seizures and learning difficulties. It is often mistaken for a simple skin condition, and further testing isn't always done.
Unfortunately, the delay in checking children with Sturge-Weber Syndrome for glaucoma leads to what could be preventable blindness. Given an early diagnosis and proper treatment, glaucoma in these children can be controlled and eyesight saved.
If your child has Sturge-Weber Syndrome, make sure your child's intraocular pressure (IOP) is checked in infancy and once a year thereafter.
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Aniridia
When the eye's iris is malformed or absent, this condition is called aniridia. This is a rare condition that has a genetic link.
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| It affects about 1 in 50,000 babies. Children with aniridia should be checked routinely for glaucoma, which is also associated with this condition. Children with aniridia are also at risk for developing cataract, nystagmus and corneal vascularization - blood vessels growing across the normally clear front of the eye - as well as abnormalities of the macula - the central part of the retina which is responsible for central vision, color perception and fine detailed vision. |
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