Glaucoma is a term used to describe a set of eye illnesses in which the pressure within the eye, also known as intraocular pressure (IOC), affects the optic nerve. The cause of this pressure is generally a problem with eye drainage.
Even though glaucoma is most typically diagnosed in elderly folks, it can strike anyone at any age. Glaucoma affects just a small percentage of children. It can, however, swiftly grow aggressive and cause visual loss
After all, in this article, we will talk more about pediatric glaucoma and the use of Tonometer for Eye Pressure Measurement in the same medical condition
What causes glaucoma in children?
The majority of instances of pediatric glaucoma are primary congenital glaucoma, which means the illness is present from birth and not caused by another eye condition. As a kid, some children acquire glaucoma. Childhood glaucoma is the name for this form of glaucoma.
Glaucoma in children is caused by either faulty development or drainage difficulties. Fluid builds up in the eye due to the drainage problem, causing increasing pressure and, eventually, damage to the optic nerve.
Other conditions, such as Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome, aniridia, trauma, or previous eye surgery, can sometimes produce this disability. Secondary glaucoma occurs when glaucoma develops as a result of another sickness or damage.
Pediatric glaucoma signs and symptoms
Symptoms in children might differ from those in adults, making diagnosing difficult. The following are the most prevalent glaucoma symptoms:
- Excessive tearing
- Light sensitivity
- Large eyes
- Cloudy or dull eye
- Excessive blinking
Glaucoma can affect one or both of your eyes. It’s worth mentioning, however, that some kids show no signs or symptoms. Regular eye exams are essential for maintaining good eye and visual health.
How Is Glaucoma In Children Evaluated and Diagnosed?
Different types of components assist the ophthalmologist in determining the origin and amount of glaucoma. Considering the child’s age and compliance, one can better assess the related health conditions if the child has an anesthesia dose.
After all, the health professional will analyze the following things:
- The intraocular pressure
- Corneal diameter (for increased size)
- Corneal clarity (for cloudiness or Haab’s striae, breaks in the back surface of the cornea)
- Corneal thickness (which can eventually change the accuracy of pressure measurements)
- The drainage angle of the eye (using a method called gonioscopy)
- Axial length (for elongation of the eye caused by increased pressure)
- Refractive error (for nearsightedness, also causative of eye problems) will all be analyzed.
A health professional performs a visual fielding examination to measure peripheral vision may be available for older children. This can assist in establishing if optic nerve damage has occurred.
Additional imaging studies, such as OCT or Optical Coherence Tomography, which looks for thinning of the nerve tissue, can help detect more slight shifts in the disease’s progress.
Pediatric glaucoma treatment options
Medicine or surgery are used to reduce the intraocular pressure (IOP) in children with glaucoma. Surgery is used to treat most instances of primary pediatric glaucoma. The most frequent surgical procedures are trabeculectomy and goniotomy, which open the drainage systems. Other methods establish a bypass path for the aqueous (eye fluid) to drain from the eye.
Medication, surgery, or a combination of the two may treat glaucoma. Surgery is frequently the primary therapy for newborns and young children to avoid long-term visual problems. The surgery’s purpose is to correct the drainage problem so that fluid drains properly from the eye.
Trabeculectomy and goniotomy are two of the most common glaucoma treatments. Your eye specialist will recommend the best treatment option based on your child’s age, symptoms, and the condition’s origin.
Children with pediatric glaucoma are more likely to develop additional eye problems as they grow older. Therefore, early detection, treatment, and vigilant monitoring are essential for long-term eye health.
In that case, an eye pressure measurement device called a tonometer is used. A tonometer is an effective way to detect glaucoma in the early stage. This device is recommended to use in a medical facility under the supervision of healthcare professionals
After all, after surgery, one or more medications may be necessary to control the intraocular pressure (IOP). Achieving the best vision in patients with pediatric glaucoma is not solely dependent on the successful reduction of IOP.
Many children with pediatric glaucoma develop myopia (nearsightedness) and require glasses. Also, amblyopia (“lazy” vision) and strabismus (misalignment of the eyes) occur more frequently and may require treatment with patching or surgery.
Despite timely and aggressive treatment, pediatric glaucoma can cause significant vision loss. Early diagnosis, treatment, and close monitoring are crucial for a long-term successful outcome.
Conclusion
Tonometer is a fantastic gift of technology that works best for pediatric ophthalmology. It gives accurate results in the measurement of IOP. Tonometer Eye Pressure Measurement Device helps ophthalmologists provide quality treatment to patients suffering from glaucoma and other ocular conditions.
Almagia International has an easyton tonometer that offers a range of treatment options for eye-related issues. To shop for an FDA-approved tonometer, visit the official website.
