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Glaucoma–Congenital, Pediatric

Nazlee Zebardast, MD, MSc and Courtney L. Kraus, MD Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) and associated damage to the optic nerve

  • Subdivided into primary and secondary glaucomas

  • Primary congenital glaucomas (PCGs) can present at birt...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Classic triad of symptoms that develop from corneal edema caused by increased IOP

    • Epiphora (excessive tearing)

    • Blepharospasm (squeezing of eyelids)

    • Photophobia (light sensitivity)

  • Fussine...

TREATMENT

ALERT

Left untreated, congenital glaucoma uniformly results in blindness. However, if detected early and managed promptly, good outcomes can be expected.

 

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Surgery is considered...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Early postoperative

    • Postoperative steroids and cycloplegic drops to decrease pain and prevent adhesions due to inflammation

    • Corneal edema clears slowly, but IOP fal...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Beck AD. Diagnosis and management of pediatric glaucoma. Ophthalmol Clin North Am.  2001;14(3):501–512. [View Abstract on OvidInsights]

  • Bejjani B, Edward D. Primary congenital g...

CODES

ICD9

743.20 Buphthalmos, unspecified 

ICD10

Q15.0 Congenital glaucoma 

SNOMED

415176004 Primary congenital glaucoma 

FAQ

  • Q: Can glaucoma be painful?

  • A: If the ocular pressure rises quickly (hours), pain occurs frequently. Very high IOPs may be present without pain if they occur slowly (months to years). However, most...

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