(See also Glaucoma in adults.)
Normally the aqueous fluid, which nourishes the eye, is produced by the ciliary body behind the iris (in the posterior chamber) and flows through the pupil to the front of the eye (anterior chamber), where it exits into drainage canals between the iris and cornea. When fluid drainage is blocked, pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure) increases.
Primary infantile glaucoma occurs in infants and young children and may affect only one eye (in 40% of children) or both eyes (in 60% of children). This disorder is considered primary because it is not caused by another disorder, such as Sturge-Weber syndrome. Intraocular pressure increases above the normal range. Intraocular pressure can also increase in infants after an injury or eye surgery (for example, removal of a cataract).
In primary infantile glaucoma or early childhood glaucoma, the affected eyes can enlarge because the sclera (the tough white fiber layer covering the eye) and cornea (the clear layer in front of the iris and pupil) stretch as a result of the increased intraocular pressure. This enlargement does not occur in adult glaucoma. The cornea is sometimes cloudy. The infant may have tearing and eye pain resulting from bright light (photophobia).
If untreated, clouding of the cornea progresses, the optic nerve is damaged, and blindness can occur. To prevent these complications, doctors do a surgical procedure to create a new drainage system (goniotomy, trabeculotomy, or trabeculectomy) as early as possible.
More Information
The following is an English-language resource that may be useful. Please note that THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of this resource.
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Children's Eye Foundation of AAPOS: Practical information about prevention, detection, research, and education to protect the vision of children
