Childhood Glaucoma

Congenital Glaucoma

Congenital glaucoma occurs in infants who are born with a malformation in the eye drainage canals. The backup of fluids then causes increased pressure in the eye. However, congenital glaucoma can be successfully treated with medication and surgery.

Juvenile Glaucoma

When glaucoma develops in children between the ages of 4 and 10, this is called late congenital glaucoma or developmental glaucoma. Juvenile primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) occurs in young people who develop glaucoma between age 10 and 35. Most of these individuals 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 this gene in order to better treat and possibly prevent this condition.

Sturge-Weber Syndrome

About two-thirds of children born with port-wine stains on the forehead and upper eyelid will develop glaucoma, which may occur in anytime before young adulthood.

Though this condition is somewhat common, it is not well known that there is a relationship between what appears to be a skin problem and the eye disease. 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.