Much like with adults and glaucoma, there are different types of childhood glaucoma (also known as congenital glaucoma, pediatric glaucoma, and infantile glaucoma) which develop in different ways. Signs and symptoms, however, may be more unique in children than adults. To identify childhood glaucoma in children, it’s important to understand the types of childhood glaucoma, what the signs and symptoms are, and how to proceed if you think a child you know—whether your own, a niece or nephew, a grandchild, or a friend’s child—has glaucoma.*

What are the types of childhood glaucoma? 

• Primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) develops before the age of three (3) and juvenile open-angle glaucoma (JOAG) develops after the age of three (3). Both occur from an irregular development of the eye’s aqueous outflow system. 
• Secondary glaucoma may develop in children from an underlying cause, such as eye trauma, inflammation, cataract removal, or steroid treatment.

How do I know if my child has glaucoma? 

Typically, PCG is diagnosed in a child’s first year of life. A young child may have one or more of these signs and symptoms:

• Excessive tearing
• Large eyes
• Cloudy corneas
• Avoids bright light
• Squeezes their eyelids

In older children, glaucoma may have no symptoms or may include:  

• Discomfort in or around the eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Vision loss
• Difficulty adjusting in the dark
• Head or eye pain
• Consistently red eyes

What should I do if I think my child may have glaucoma?

If your child shows any signs or symptoms of glaucoma, early diagnosis and treatment can save a child’s vision. Seeking an ophthalmologist—preferably a pediatric ophthalmologist—will provide the most timely and accurate diagnosis along with appropriate care. Treatment of childhood glaucoma may include medication, surgery, and regular follow-up visits with an ophthalmologist.  

*Feldman, R.M. (2020, May 1). Childhood Glaucoma: Questions and Answers. Glaucoma Research Foundation. https://www.glaucoma.org/glaucoma/questions-and-answers-childhood-glaucoma.php

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