Glaucoma
What is Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve and is the second leading cause of blindness in the world. It is estimated that about 3 million Americans have glaucoma, though many of them have not been diagnosed. Glaucoma is a degenerative disease that commonly results in high intraocular pressure, IOP. If left untreated, glaucoma causes irreversible damage to the optic nerve which can lead to blindness. Eyes constantly produce a fluid in the front of the eye called aqueous humor. This fluid flows out of the eye through a complex drainage system. In a normal healthy eye, the amount of aqueous humor in the eye and the amount that drains out is generally in balance, thereby maintaining a stable IOP, although it is not fixed but varies during different times of the day and night and between clinic visits. If the drainage is not working properly, fluid builds up which causes pressure inside the eye to rise. The increased pressure pushes against the tiny delicate nerve fibers of the optic nerve, causing them to die, which leads to blind spots in a person’s vision.
Signs and Symptoms of Childhood Glaucoma
Signs and symptoms of childhood glaucoma:
- Light sensitivity
- Large eyes, or one eye larger than the other
- Watery eyes
- Cloudiness in eyes
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Resources
Education Resources:Medical Resources
Glaucoma Kids
Photos of children around the world with Glaucoma Click to read more