Pediatric and Childhood Glaucoma
Glaucoma affecting infants, children, or teenagers — rarer than adult glaucoma, and different enough in how it presents and how it's managed to need specific expertise. Includes congenital glaucoma (present from birth or early infancy) and childhood glaucoma developing later.
What it is
Glaucoma affecting infants, children, or teenagers — rarer than adult glaucoma, and different enough in how it presents and how it's managed to need specific expertise. Includes congenital glaucoma (present from birth or early infancy) and childhood glaucoma developing later.
Symptoms and warning signs
In infants: excessive tearing, light sensitivity, cloudy or enlarged-looking eyes, and eye rubbing. In older children, symptoms can be subtler and are more often found through vision problems or a routine exam.
Causes / risk factors
Can be present from birth, related to how the eye's drainage system developed, or secondary to another condition, injury, or previous eye surgery.
How it's diagnosed
Young children often can't cooperate with standard adult testing, so diagnosis frequently requires Examination Under Anesthesia (EUA) — a full eye exam performed under anesthesia, allowing accurate pressure measurement and assessment that wouldn't otherwise be possible.
Treatment approach
Pediatric glaucoma often needs joint management — Dr. Puja Sheth works alongside cornea and retina specialists where a child's condition involves more than glaucoma. Treatment can include drops, laser, or surgery, depending on the child's specific condition and age.
Frequently asked questions
Reach Puja Eye Hospital to request an appointment with Dr. Puja Sheth.