It is important to look for specific signs of vision loss in children, and be proactive about routine visits to an eye specialist. Childhood glaucoma is far more prevalent than one may have imagined.
VERIFIED By: Dr Sunil Moreker, ophthalmologist at Lilavati Hospital Mumbai
Written by Prerna Mittra |Published : February 13, 2025 2:49 PM IST
What is childhood glaucoma? Also known as pediatric glaucoma, childhood glaucoma affects more than 3,00,000 children globally. As such, there is an urgent need for greater awareness and timely intervention. Doctors warn that cases are on the rise in this age group. Childhood glaucoma is often associated with ‘significant visual loss’ — two-third of the children diagnosed with it are blind. In some developing countries, there is an even higher prevalence with more severe disease phenotype. According to Dr Sunil Moreker, ophthalmologist at Lilavati Hospital Mumbai, the prevalence of ‘primary congenital glaucoma’ is one in 3,300 live births. Family history of the disease, premature birth, or developmental anomalies are some key factors that can predispose children to this condition, often leading to irreversible vision loss if it is not detected early. ‘Traumatic glaucoma’ is the second leading cause of glaucoma in children in India, he said. It occurs when there is a severe injury to the eye or the head. It can either happen immediately, or even years after an injury has occurred.
Regular Eye Check-Ups To Recognise Symptoms
While there is a need for people to visit their eye doctor regularly, check-ups should begin from childhood itself. Whether or not your child is complaining for vision issues, or has sustained an injury (and especially if they have) it is imperative to make routine visits to the ophthalmologist. Dr Moreker said regular eye check-ups are essential, as pediatric glaucoma often presents with subtle symptoms that may go unnoticed.
“Early diagnosis and intervention is important for preserving vision and ensuring a better quality of life for young patients,” he added. Citing a 2020 International Study of Childhood Glaucoma by Childhood Glaucoma Research Network Study Group, the doctor mentioned that glaucoma is associated with — what is known as — ‘acquired conditions’ that are more frequent in South Asian patients and Indian children. In fact, they have a ‘disproportionately’ high rate of ‘loss to follow-up’, meaning they forget making follow-up visits to a doctor after an initial meeting.
Is Elevated Eye Pressure The Real Issue?
The doctor explained that childhood glaucoma happens due to ‘elevated eye pressure’, and the complications associated with it are permanent optic nerve damage, vision loss, and blindness.
According to the doctor, in a span of 3-4 months, three to five children with glaucoma may report ‘excessive tearing’, ‘cloudy cornea’ (transparent outer layer), ‘light sensitivity’, ‘extra tears’, and ‘large’ and ‘bulging’ eyes. “Bulging of eyes is called buphthalmos,” he shared.
As mentioned earlier, the causes of childhood glaucoma can be attributed to an eye injury, underdeveloped iris (aniridia), family history of the condition, and eye and developmental disorders.
How Is The Condition Detected?
It can be detected by doing a comprehensive eye examination consisting of a visual acuity test, peripheral vision test for side vision, optical coherence tomography, a scan of the optic nerve and tonometry, and an eye pressure test, said Dr Moreker.
The Importance Of Early Screening
Stressing on the importance of early screening and routine eye check-ups for children, the ophthalmologist said routine eye exams are important as they can look for pediatric glaucoma and other vision-related issues. And even if a child shows no symptoms, early screening is recommended, particularly for children with a family history of glaucoma or other eye conditions.
When compared with other eye problems, pediatric glaucoma requires a higher amount of awareness among parents as it can cause vision loss and total blindness, the doctor warned, adding that by dispelling myths and prioritising early detection through regular eye check-ups, it is possible to protect the vision of young patients and ensure that they lead fulfilling lives.
“The child will be advised treatment upon examination by an expert. The treatment will be in the form of laser therapy or even surgery. Always remember that timely detection and management can prevent this condition from causing blindness in children,” the doctor concluded.
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