Learn all about the symptoms and treatment methods regarding pediatric glaucoma.
Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that is the leading cause of permanent blindness in the United States. It is a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve in the eye causing severe vision loss. Even though glaucoma is common in older adults and the elderly, infants and children can develop the disorder as well. Since January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, you should learn about pediatric glaucoma and how to detect it.
Types and Causes
There are a variety of classifications of pediatric glaucoma, although many cases of glaucoma are not associated with an identifiable cause. One common way to classify glaucoma is by the age it is onset. If it is present in your child at birth, then it is referred to as congenital glaucoma. Infantile glaucoma is present between the ages of 1 to 24 months, and juvenile glaucoma is present after three years. Even though many cases of pediatric glaucoma do not have a specific cause, some cases are associated with a condition or disease including neurofibromatosis or a previous eye surgery. Some types of pediatric glaucoma are hereditary including those associated with diseases.
Symptoms
Congenital and infantile glaucoma have different symptoms than the other types of pediatric glaucoma. Excessive tearing and a cloudy cornea are associated with congenital and infantile glaucoma. If your child has juvenile glaucoma, then they will likely not have any obvious symptoms similar to patients with adult glaucoma. It is likely that children with juvenile glaucoma have a family history of the disease.
Detection and Treatment
The most effective way to detecting any type of glaucoma is to have regular, comprehensive eye exams. If your child develops any symptoms, bring them to an eye professional immediately. Treatment for pediatric glaucoma usually involves surgery that lowers the pressure in the eye.
Get In Touch With Pediatric Eye Care of Maryland Today
Pediatric Eye Care of Maryland takes your child’s eye health very seriously. With a full staff of highly skilled Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, and Orthoptists we’ve got ocular health covered. If you feel any concern about your child’s vision, have questions concerning eye health, or need information on the services we offer contact us today. With 4 convenient locations in Maryland, we are your number one choice for eye treatment.
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