Update on congenital glaucoma

Indian J Ophthalmol. 2011 Jan;59 Suppl(Suppl1):S148-57. doi: 10.4103/0301-4738.73683.

Abstract

Congenital glaucoma is a global problem and poses a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to the ophthalmologist. A detailed evaluation under general anesthesia is advisable to establish the diagnosis and plan for management. Medical therapy has a limited role and surgery remains the primary therapeutic modality. While goniotomy or trabeculotomy ab externo is valuable in the management of congenital glaucoma, primary combined trabeculotomy-trabeculectomy offers the best hope of success in advanced cases. Trabeculectomy with antifibrotic agent and glaucoma drainage devices has a role in the management of refractory cases, and cyclodestructive procedures should be reserved for patients where these procedures have failed. Early diagnosis, prompt therapeutic intervention and proper refractive correction are keys to success. Management of residual vision and visual rehabilitation should be an integral part of the management of children with low vision and lifelong follow-up is a must.

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Adrenergic Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Cryotherapy / methods
  • Glaucoma / congenital*
  • Glaucoma / drug therapy
  • Glaucoma / surgery*
  • Glaucoma Drainage Implants
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Light Coagulation / methods
  • Mitomycin / therapeutic use
  • Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures*
  • Prostaglandins / therapeutic use
  • Trabeculectomy

Substances

  • Adrenergic Agents
  • Adrenergic Antagonists
  • Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors
  • Prostaglandins
  • Mitomycin