Doctor offers advice on how to identify and counteract the quiet danger of newborn glaucoma

A chronic condition that destroys the optic nerves and seriously impairs vision is glaucoma. Inaction on the part of the patient may result in permanent blindness. Although it is usually linked with adults, glaucoma may also appear in infants; this is a problem that has to be treated quickly. Understanding glaucoma’s subtleties, prevalence, early warning signals, and available treatments is crucial to preventing the condition from impairing babies’ vision.

“Newborn Glaucoma”: What is it?
Elevated intraocular pressure (glaucoma) constantly presses upon the optic nerve, which is essential for sending visual information from the eye to the brain. This relentless attack has the potential to cause permanent vision loss and, in the worst case scenario, blindness if prompt identification and treatments are not received.

As to Dr. Girija Suresh, Senior Consultant-Ophthalmologist, Fortis Hospital Mulund, this ocular enemy may also, albeit less commonly, affect babies and young children. According to estimates, the prevalence of glaucoma in babies ranges from 1 in 5000 to 1 in 10000, making it a very uncommon yet serious issue for pediatric eye health.

How does one classify glaucoma?
Primary Congenital Glaucoma and Secondary Glaucoma are the two primary types into which newborn glaucoma falls. Primary Congenital Glaucoma is the name given to glaucoma that develops on its own and is not linked to any other conditions or anomalies of the eyes. On the other hand, it is known as secondary glaucoma if it results from other eye disorders or illnesses.

What are the early warning indicators and guidelines for glaucoma screening?
At birth, newborns are often examined for a number of illnesses, and eye health is no exception. More research is necessary since several variables raise the likelihood of newborn glaucoma. Comprehensive eye exams should never be disregarded in these situations since infants who have birth trauma are also more likely to be prematurely born, and those who have certain birth abnormalities may already be at a higher risk.

Early symptoms of newborn glaucoma might be mild, so it’s important to see a specialist very away. In the latter stages of the condition, parents and healthcare professionals should be on the lookout for signs including growing eyeballs, expanding corneal diameters, and foggy corneas. The prevention of newborn glaucoma is mostly dependent on early identification.

How is glaucoma in infants treated?
When a baby’s glaucoma is still in its early stages, conservative methods such using specialized eye drops are often used as therapy. The purpose of these drugs is to control intraocular pressure and shield the optic nerve from more harm. However, more drastic measures could be needed if the illness worsens.

In more complex instances, surgery may be necessary. The goal of antiglaucoma procedures is to lower intraocular pressure and stop the optic nerve’s constant attack. For a kid to have a bright and light-filled future and to avoid irreparable eyesight loss, prompt and adequate therapy is necessary.