Congenital glaucoma is a rare form of glaucoma present at birth or developing in early childhood due to abnormal development of the eye’s drainage structures. It leads to raised intraocular pressure and optic nerve damage if untreated.
Clinical Features
Infants may present with excessive tearing, light sensitivity, and large, cloudy corneas because the immature eye stretches under pressure.
- Parents often notice “big eyes” or persistent watering and photophobia.
- Both eyes are frequently affected, though not always symmetrically.
- Examination under anaesthesia is often needed to confirm diagnosis and plan treatment.
- Early damage can permanently affect visual development.
Treatment
Surgery is the mainstay of management, using procedures such as goniotomy or trabeculotomy to open the drainage angle, with drops as adjuncts.
- Multiple operations and lifelong follow‑up are common.
- Early intervention greatly improves long‑term visual prognosis.
- Amblyopia therapy and refractive correction are often required.
- Genetic counselling may be appropriate in familial cases.
