Congenital glaucoma is an eye disease that is present from birth or appears in the first years of life and is characterised by an abnormal rise in intraocular pressure.

It affects approximately 1 in every 10,000 births.

80% of cases are diagnosed before the first year of life.

Surgical treatment has a high success rate when performed in time.

Signs that may point to this disease in babies and children

✅ Large eyes (buphthalmos): Raised intraocular pressure can make a baby's eyes look larger than normal.

✅ Excessive tearing: One of the most common symptoms in babies with glaucoma.

✅ Sensitivity to light (photophobia): The child may avoid light or keep their eyes closed.

✅ Corneal clouding: The cornea may become greyish or cloudy.

✅ Frequent blinking: This can be a response to the discomfort caused by eye pressure.

✅ Eye irritation and redness: It can be mistaken for conjunctivitis, but it persists over time.

If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, it is essential to see a paediatric ophthalmologist as soon as possible for a detailed assessment.

Why does this disease occur in babies?

🔹 Malformation of the eye's drainage system: Abnormal development of the iridocorneal angle prevents the aqueous humour from draining.

🔹 Genetic factors: It can be hereditary in 10–40% of cases, with mutations in certain genes.

🔹 Associated congenital syndromes: Some disorders such as Sturge-Weber syndrome, Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome and neurofibromatosis type 1 can include glaucoma among their features.

🔹 Intrauterine infections: Infections during pregnancy, such as congenital rubella, can affect the development of the baby's eyes.

Early diagnosis allows appropriate treatment and better long-term visual results.

Medical and surgical options to control the disease

🔹 Eye drops and medication: These are used to lower intraocular pressure, although in most cases they are not enough on their own.

🔹 Glaucoma surgery (main option): Surgery is the most effective treatment to improve drainage of the aqueous humour and lower eye pressure. There are different surgical techniques, such as:

🔹 Goniotomy (if the cornea is clear): An incision is made in the trabecular meshwork to open the eye's drainage system. It gives good results if the condition is detected in time.

🔹 Trabeculotomy: This is performed when the cornea is not clear enough for a goniotomy.

🔹 Trabeculectomy. This is useful in more advanced cases or when other operations have not been effective.

🔹 Drainage implants: In more severe cases, devices (such as the Ahmed valve) are fitted to regulate the outflow of aqueous humour.

The success of treatment depends on strict ophthalmological follow-up and early detection of the problem.