[Childhood Glaucoma]

Abstract

Childhood glaucoma is a rare disease. Since a lacking therapy normally leads to blindness an immediate diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial. The heterogeneity of childhood glaucoma requires a comprehensive knowledge of possible underlying pathomechanisms of primary and secondary childhood glaucoma types. Several types of childhood glaucoma are accompanied with ocular or systemic syndromes and hereditary causes are frequent. Thus, an interdisciplinary team of ophthalmologists, orthoptists, pediatricians, human geneticists, and anesthesiologists is vital for a successful supply. Most cases rely on a dysgenesis of trabecular meshwork with impaired outflow. Thus, usually a surgical approach is indicated. To handle a surgery in a buphthalmic eye an experienced hand is required. Special attention should be paid on the correct prescription of topical antiglaucomatous therapy in children since they are more prone to develop side effects. This article aims to provide an overview about the different childhood glaucoma types and to point out the most important aspects of their individual treatment strategies.