Congenital glaucoma--diagnosis and management

A brief review is presented based on the structural classification of congenital glaucoma by Hoskins and Shaffer. The degree of angle deformation and anterior segment changes are subgrouped by trabecular dysgenesis, irido-trabecular dysgenesis, and irido-corneo-trabecular dysgenesis. Typical examples for these entities are presented, and the pathophysiology is discussed. Problems in early diagnosis including modern approaches, like ultrasonography, direct manometry, are emphasised and the choices of surgical procedures with the pros and cons in the different conditions outlined. The prognosis of the disease depends on the time of manifestation and the experience of the surgeon who performs the appropriate operations. Some data on the prevalence of the disease is also presented.