What is Juvenile Glaucoma?

Juvenile glaucoma, also referred to as congenital glaucoma, occurs in babies and young children, and is usually diagnosed within the first year of life. Juvenile glaucoma is a rare condition caused by incorrect development of the eye's drainage system before birth. This leads to increased intraocular pressure, which can damage the optic nerve and lead to blindness. Treatment of Juvenile glaucoma depends on the underlying cause, but usually includes medications such as eye drops, laser surgery, or conventional surgery. Early detection, through regular and complete eye exams, is the key to protecting vision from damage caused by glaucoma.