Parents can recognize the early symptoms of congenital glaucoma in children by noticing some visible signs that may indicate an eye problem. These symptoms can be relatively pronounced if they are carefully observed. Here are the main symptoms that parents should pay attention to:

Enlarged eye size : one of the main and characteristic symptoms of congenital glaucoma is that the child's eyes may appear larger than normal or that one eye may be larger than the other, as a result of increased intraocular pressure, which leads to its enlargement (Buphthalmos) 1.

Excessive lacrimation: children with congenital glaucoma may experience abnormal persistent lacrimation due to irritation caused by the condition.

Extreme sensitivity to light : children with this condition show extreme sensitivity to light (Photophobia), as they feel disturbed when exposed to bright lights.

Blurry or cloudy eyes: the cornea of the eye may appear cloudy or not fully transparent, which affects the clarity of vision in the child.

Difference in the size of the eyes : in some cases, there may be a clear difference in the size of the eyes between them, in which one eye is larger than the other due to high intraocular pressure in only one of them.

Constant discomfort or crying : due to pain or discomfort caused by the condition, the baby may be more crying and upset for no other apparent reason, especially when looking directly at the light source.

Blurry vision : although the child cannot express vision problems directly, this symptom can be noticed by the child's difficulty concentrating on objects or not responding to visual stimuli as expected.

Corneal bulging: increased pressure inside the eye can lead to swelling of the cornea, making it look abnormal or cloudy.

If parents notice any of these symptoms, it is very important that they immediately consult a Specialist Ophthalmologist to conduct the necessary examinations, make sure the health of the eyes and avoid any possible complications. Early diagnosis is a crucial step in treating congenital glaucoma and improving treatment outcomes

Prevention of congenital glaucoma faces a great challenge due to its genetic nature in most cases, since there is no known way to completely prevent its infection. However, some measures can be taken to reduce the risk or detect it early to deal with it before it causes permanent damage. Here are the most important tips:

Periodic eye examinations:

Parents with a family history of glaucoma or other eye diseases should take care of periodic examinations of children from birth to early childhood years. An early examination can help diagnose the condition before any serious complications occur.

Monitor early symptoms:

Although there is no direct way to prevent congenital glaucoma from occurring, noticing early symptoms such as enlarged eye size, excessive lacrimation, extreme sensitivity to light, and cloudy eyes can contribute to early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Genetic care and genetic counseling:

If there is a known family history of congenital glaucoma or other genetic diseases, it is advisable to consult genetics specialists for advice on pregnancy options and genetic screening before or during pregnancy.

Eye protection from injuries:

Although injuries are not the main cause of congenital glaucoma, protection from injuries can be useful in preventing the condition from worsening or the appearance of other eye-related problems. The use of protective glasses when needed can be part of a general prevention strategy.

Health awareness:

Raising awareness among parents about the importance of eye health in children, especially in families with a family history of eye diseases, can play an important role in promoting eye care and encouraging seeking medical help when any abnormal signs appear.

Management of concomitant diseases:

Although congenital glaucoma is often independent of other diseases, maintaining the health of the mother during pregnancy, including controlling chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, may contribute to reducing possible risks to the health of the fetus.

Given the genetic nature of congenital glaucoma, the primary focus should be on early detection and prompt treatment to achieve the best results. Regular check-ups for children, especially those who have risk factors such as a family history of glaucoma, are the most important step to ensure eye health and prevent vision loss.

If the condition is detected early, surgical interventions or drug treatments can be very effective in reducing the long-term impact of this condition