Glaucoma
Ear, Eye & Head Conditions
FACTS:
- Glaucoma is a condition in which the normal fluid pressure inside the eyes slowly rises as a result of the fluid - which normally flows in and out of the eye - not being able to drain properly.
- Instead, the fluid collects and causes pressure damage to the optic nerve (a bundle of more than 1 million nerve fibers that connects the retina with the brain) and loss of vision.
- There are many causes of childhood glaucoma. It can be hereditary, associated with other eye disorders, an eye injury or other disease.
- Glaucoma may affect just one eye or both.
SYMPTOMS:
- excessive tearing
- light sensitivity (child may dislike bright lights and/or sun light)
- closure of one or both eyes in the light
- cloudy, enlarged cornea
- one eye may be larger than the other
- vision loss
TREATMENT:
- Both medications and surgery have been successfully used to treat childhood glaucoma.
- Some medications cause the eye to produce less fluid, while others lower pressure by helping fluid drain from the eye.
- Surgery may be done to create a new opening for fluid to leave the eye.
- Several types of laser surgery are now used to treat glaucoma.
- Eye glasses may be prescribed.
