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Published on: February 15, 2022
Approach to childhood glaucoma: A review
Tanya Karaconji1,2, Sophia Zagora1,2, John R Grigg1,2,3
1Speciality of Ophthalmology, Save Sight Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
Insights
Childhood glaucoma, a rare condition causing high eye pressure, requires prompt diagnosis and management. This review covers primary congenital glaucoma and secondary forms linked to various ocular and systemic conditions.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Eye Diseases
Background:
- Childhood glaucoma encompasses rare, heterogeneous ocular conditions.
- Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) can lead to sight-threatening complications.
- Glaucoma in children is classified as primary or secondary, with secondary types potentially linked to systemic diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diagnosis and management of common childhood glaucoma types.
- To focus on the work of the Childhood Glaucoma Research Network (CGRN).
Main Methods:
- Literature review based on Childhood Glaucoma Research Network (CGRN) findings.
- Focus on diagnosis and management strategies.
Main Results:
- Discussion of primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) and juvenile open-angle glaucoma (JOAG).
- Exploration of secondary glaucoma causes: ocular anomalies (Axenfeld-Rieger, Peters, Aniridia), systemic diseases (Sturge Weber, Neurofibromatosis), acquired conditions (uveitis, trauma, tumors), and post-cataract surgery glaucoma.
Conclusions:
- Accurate diagnosis and tailored management are crucial for childhood glaucoma.
- Understanding diverse etiologies, from congenital anomalies to acquired conditions, informs treatment approaches.
Abstract:
Childhood glaucoma represents a heterogenous group of rare ocular conditions that may result in significant sight threatening complications related to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). It can be classified as either primary or secondary and the latter may have systemic associations. This review will be based on the work of the childhood glaucoma research network (CGRN) and will focus on the diagnosis and management of the most common types of childhood glaucoma. These include primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) and juvenile open angle glaucoma (JOAG) as well as secondary causes of glaucoma associated with non-acquired ocular anomalies (Axenfeld-Rieger anomaly; Peters anomaly and Aniridia), glaucoma associated with systemic disease (Sturge Weber syndrome and Neurofibromatosis), those due to acquired conditions (Uveitic glaucoma, trauma and tumours) and importantly glaucoma following cataract surgery.
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