January is Glaucoma Awareness Month. Over 60 million people have Glaucoma worldwide. The second leading cause of blindeness in the world. The silent thief of sight. Pediatric glaucoma (PG), also referred to as “childhood glaucoma” or “congenital glaucoma”, covers a heterogeneous array of diseases. It is characterized by ocular structural damage and visual impairment associated with increased intraocular pressure (IOP). Pediatric glaucoma can lead to irreversible blindness and bring emotional or psychological burdens to patients’ caregivers. PG has various presentations and subtle symptoms, making the diagnosis difficult. A high index of suspicion by pediatricians or family physicians and prompt referral to an ophthalmologist for a full ophthalmic examination is essential in the timely diagnosis of pediatric glaucoma. Babies with glaucoma may have: - large eyes - a dull or cloudy eye - tears when not crying - redness in the sclera (the white part of the eye) - sensitivity to light - a lot of blinking Older children and teens may have: - blurry vision - nearsightedness that gets worse - trouble seeing things off to the side - headaches A child also can have glaucoma with no symptoms. That's why it's important for kids to have regular eye exams as they grow up. #kidihealth #kidshealth #glaucomaawareness #parents
