Children can get glaucoma too
Very few children are born with glaucoma, and its symptoms are usually easier to spot than adult glaucoma. "Congenital glaucoma is very rare," says
Bruce Schnall, MD, a Virtua ophthalmologist. "Babies usually show symptoms by four to six months. These include a cloudy cornea, an enlarged cornea, excessive tearing, light sensitivity, and eye redness."
Some children develop glaucoma as a result of other systemic diseases or eye disorders. And, it can also create added problems: "In some cases where only one eye is affected, children may develop amblyopia - what we call a lazy eye - even if the glaucoma is treated successfully," says Dr. Schnall.
Pediatric glaucoma is much more difficult to treat than the adult form. "Childhood glaucoma is usually more aggressive than adult glaucoma," says
Courtland Schmidt, MD, a Virtua ophthalmologist. And, it almost always requires surgery - many times multiple surgeries - to preserve or minimize sight loss. With careful monitoring and expert treatment, the outcome can be successful.
Since most children are born with healthy eyes, there's no need for excessive worry. However, parents who notice problems with their child's eyes should contact the child's pediatrician or family doctor and arrange for an eye examination promptly. As with adult glaucoma, the earlier it is treated, the better.