Can children have glaucoma?

Written by Dong Xian Yan
Pediatrics
Updated on September 04, 2024
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Children can develop glaucoma. Congenital glaucoma typically presents within the first year of life and is more common in boys. The disease onset before the age of two to three years leads to increased eye pressure, which results in the enlargement of the eyeball. This manifests as photophobia, tearing, and eyelid spasms. Once diagnosed, early surgical treatment is recommended. For children under three years old, the preferred surgical procedures are trabeculectomy or goniotomy. As children are in a developmental stage and have poorer overall tolerance, anti-glaucoma medications are only suitable for short-term bridging treatment.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
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What are the symptoms of a glaucoma attack?

Typical acute angle-closure glaucoma has several different clinical stages, divided into the preclinical stage, prodromal stage, acute attack stage, intermittent stage, chronic stage, and absolute stage. The acute attack stage is mainly characterized by severe headache, eye pain, photophobia, tearing, and significant deterioration of vision, often reduced to counting fingers or hand motion, and may be accompanied by systemic symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Physical signs include eyelid edema, mixed congestion, corneal epithelial edema, and the appearance of small droplets under the slit lamp. Patients may complain of rainbow vision, which primarily occurs due to the large number of small vesicles in the swollen corneal epithelium and the spaces between epithelial cells.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
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What are the symptoms of glaucoma precursor?

The prodromal phase of glaucoma is characterized by transient or recurrent attacks, often occurring multiple times, typically in the evenings. During an attack, patients suddenly experience blurred vision and halos around lights, possibly accompanied by pain in the forehead on the affected side or a sour swelling at the root of the nose on the same side. These symptoms are short-lived and can resolve or disappear after rest. If examined immediately, increased intraocular pressure can be detected, often above 40 mmHg, with slight conjunctival congestion or no congestion. There is mild foggy edema in the corneal epithelium. The anterior chamber is extremely shallow, but the aqueous humor is clear, with a wide closure of the chamber angle, slightly dilated pupils, and sluggish light reflexes. After a minor attack subsides, aside from the characteristic shallow anterior chamber, there generally is no permanent tissue damage.

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Written by Zheng Xin
Ophthalmology
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Must glaucoma undergo surgery?

Glaucoma is a group of diseases characterized by pathological increase in intraocular pressure that causes damage to the optic nerve and visual field defects. The treatment for glaucoma can include conservative management and surgical interventions. The primary goal of treatment is to control intraocular pressure and delay the progression of optic nerve damage. Generally, intraocular pressure can be controlled with medication; if medication fails to control the pressure, surgery may be necessary to manage it.

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Written by Dong Xian Yan
Pediatrics
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Can children have glaucoma?

Children can develop glaucoma. Congenital glaucoma typically presents within the first year of life and is more common in boys. The disease onset before the age of two to three years leads to increased eye pressure, which results in the enlargement of the eyeball. This manifests as photophobia, tearing, and eyelid spasms. Once diagnosed, early surgical treatment is recommended. For children under three years old, the preferred surgical procedures are trabeculectomy or goniotomy. As children are in a developmental stage and have poorer overall tolerance, anti-glaucoma medications are only suitable for short-term bridging treatment.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zheng Xin
Ophthalmology
31sec home-news-image

Glaucoma Precautions

Once glaucoma is confirmed, active treatment is necessary, such as medication or surgery. In daily life, the following points should be noted: First, do not stay in dark environments for a long time. Second, avoid excessive use of eyes and ensure to rest. Third, try to avoid drinking strong tea or coffee and do not drink a large amount of water at once. Fourth, avoid using drugs that can trigger glaucoma attacks, such as antispasmodics and antidepressants.