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The spontaneous resolution of primary congenital glaucoma

Karina Nagao1, Léon-Paul Noël, Marie-Eve Noël

  • 1COE-RIO, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Journal of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
|June 6, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) can spontaneously resolve in some children. Ocular findings in these cases include large corneas and abnormal angles, with normal intraocular pressures.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Pediatric Ophthalmology
  • Glaucoma Research

Background:

  • Primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) is a severe form of infantile glaucoma.
  • Spontaneous resolution of PCG is a rare phenomenon.
  • Understanding its characteristics is crucial for diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To document the ocular characteristics of children experiencing spontaneous resolution of PCG.
  • To differentiate findings in spontaneously resolving PCG from treated or untreated cases.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 356 PCG patient records.
  • Detailed analysis of nine cases with documented spontaneous PCG resolution.
  • Clinical examination of ocular findings, including corneal diameter, Haab's striae, intraocular pressure, anterior chamber depth, lens clarity, and angle morphology.

Main Results:

  • Spontaneous resolution was observed in nine patients, typically after four months of age.
  • Affected eyes presented with large corneas and Haab's striae.
  • Intraocular pressures were normal, with deep anterior chambers and abnormal filtration angles characteristic of PCG.
  • Angle abnormalities were less severe than in fellow eyes requiring treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Objective clinical evidence supports spontaneous PCG resolution.
  • The exact mechanism remains unknown but may involve continued development of milder angle abnormalities.
  • Anterior segment findings resemble treated PCG, but with normal intraocular pressures and stable optic nerves.
Abstract

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