[Pharmacotherapy of congenital glaucoma in young children]

The aim of congenital glaucoma treatment is to preserve visual function of children's eyes. There are three forms of congenital glaucoma: primary congenital glaucoma of infants, children and the youth, glaucoma in dysgenesis of anterior segment of the eyeballs and glaucoma in congenital systemic diseases. Pharmacotherapy is indicated during preparation for surgical treatment, as an adjunct following surgical procedures and as a protection of retinal and optic nerve function. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, hyperosmotic agents, sympathomimetic drugs, parasympathomimetic drugs, prostaglandins may be used. Dopamine antagonists, calcium channel blockers, serotonin antagonists are indicated as a protection of retinal cells and optic nerve function. The most widely used are carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and beta-blocker: betaxolol. Antiglaucoma drugs have proven to be efficacious in treating children with congenital glaucoma but they have several serious side effects. Therefore, pharmacotherapy may be used only periodically. The main treatment of congenital glaucoma is surgical treatment.