CONGENITAL GLAUKOM, ITS EARLY DETECTION, PREVENTION OF BLINDNESS AT INFANCY

Abstract

Structural abnormalities in the development and embryogenesis of the iridocorenal angle are etiopatogenetic factors for appearance of congenital glaucoma which, because of the high interocular pressure, results with a damage of the opticus and early loss of vision.Infant glaucoma which manifests immediately after birth is indicate with characteristic clinical picture of big “oxen eyes” and the high pressure quickly leads to suffering of the cornea and the optical nerve. The detection of the disease gives possibilities for beginning of the treatment with a conservative or urgent surgical operation. Unfortunately, more surgical operations usually follow at the early infant age in order to keep the eye pressure in normal state.The forecast of the disease is very bad according to the world statistics the blindness appears till the age of 30 at last.In our clinic, 5-8 new cases with advanced damages appeared yearly for the last 10 years. Because the treatment of the disease is longitudinal it needs cooperation with an expert-team of pediatricians, especially with ophthalmologists whose human and ethic approach will prevent the unavoidable blindness.