Glaucoma in infancy and early childhood

Abstract

Childhood glaucomas are a rare, heterogeneous group of disorders which, like adult glaucoma, can have vision-threatening consequences. Diagnosis and management of the pediatric glaucomas present several unique challenges. It is often the parent, primary care or eye care provider who will first recognize glaucoma in this population and it is crucial that they are familiar with its clinical features and maintain a high index of suspicion when considering this diagnosis. In adults, glaucoma is often occult; however, in children, strong suggestive signs of glaucoma are often present. The presentation of infant and childhood glaucoma varies with the degree of pressure elevation as well as the age of onset. In addition, examination of young children can be challenging and treatment strategies less familiar than those in adult patients. Genetic, pharmacologic, and technologic advances in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma raise the hope that this disease will, in the near future, cease to rob children and adults of vision. © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.