What is Congenital Glaucoma or Childhood Glaucoma?

Congenital glaucoma or childhood glaucoma is a rare condition which occurs in babies and young children due to an incorrect or incomplete development of the eye’s drainage canals.
It may be inherited and is usually diagnosed within the first year of life.
The incorrect drainage system causes an increase in the intraocular pressure and damages the optic nerve.

It is also called pediatric glaucoma or infantile glaucoma.

The signs and symptoms of childhood glaucoma are:

• Unusually large eyes in children
• Excessive tearing
• Cloudy eyes
• Light sensitivity

The treatment of glaucoma in children depends on the type and extent of the problem. Treatment is usually surgical to allow better drainage of fluid in the eye.