Question
How should pediatric glaucoma be treated?
Answer
Glaucoma is a group of diseases characterized by impaired aqueous humor outflow, increased intraocular pressure, optic nerve damage, and field defects. The cause of increased intraocular pressure is usually a dysfunction in the ocular pump system, leading to blocked or obstructed outflow channels, while the ciliary body continues to produce aqueous humor, accumulating within the eye. Excessive aqueous humor pressure compresses the optic nerve at the back of the eye, and long-term high intraocular pressure can damage part of the optic nerve, leading to gradual vision loss and even blindness. Glaucoma typically affects both eyes but often manifests first in one eye. The most common type of glaucoma develops very slowly and usually causes no discomfort or pain symptoms. Some rare types of glaucoma can be more severe, with symptoms such as blurred vision, headaches or eye pain, nausea or vomiting, rainbow halos around lights, and sudden loss of vision. Glaucoma can occur in people of all ages, from children to the elderly. However, those over 35 years old, those with high myopia, and diabetics are more prone to developing glaucoma. Ophthalmologists recommend that glaucoma screenings should be part of routine eye examinations for children, adolescents, and adults. Most people should undergo a comprehensive glaucoma-specific examination around the age of 35, with another recommended at age 40, and then every two years after age 40.