Congenital glaucoma is a rather rare disease that affects 1 newborn every 10, 000; it can manifest itself from birth or in the first years of life. This form of glaucomatous neuropathy is caused by malformations or incomplete development of the aqueous humor drainage system during the prenatal period, resulting in an increase in intraocular pressure. Congenital glaucoma may be due to an inherited defect or complications arising during pregnancy.
The affected child has an unusual hypersensitivity to light (photophobia) and excessive tearing. Furthermore, the pressure increase can cause an increase in the size of the eyeball (buftalmo) and the cornea is almost always not transparent, but opaque. Congenital glaucoma is difficult to recognize, since a very young child may not be able to describe the symptoms; therefore, any suspicious sign must induce the parents to go to the ophthalmologist for a check-up visit. Early surgery is the main therapeutic approach. If left untreated, congenital glaucoma progresses and can lead to blindness.
