Question
After a child is born, the eyes often tear and are prone to crying. How can one distinguish between the symptoms of retinal pigment dystrophy and glaucoma?
Answer
Retinal pigment dystrophy is often a congenital genetic disease, with pigment changes typically found in the peripheral retina. Patients often experience night vision difficulties. As the condition worsens, vision may be limited to just a small area of the macula. Glaucoma is a disease caused by blocked aqueous humor drainage leading to increased intraocular pressure, which is easily distinguishable clinically. Simply examining the fundus and measuring the intraocular pressure is sufficient.