How is congenital glaucoma detected?
Congenital glaucoma is usually detected by the parents. In infancy, the sclera of the eye is easily distensible, so that the eye enlarges when intraocular pressure is increased. Breaks occur in the corneal endothelium, leading to edema, or swelling, of the cornea, which produces a hazy, frosted glass appearance. The baby is sensitive to light and tearing may be present. As the cornea stretches, ruptures allow more aqueous into the corneal stroma and epithelium, causing a sudden increase in edema and haze and an increase of tearing and photophobia. The infant may become irritable to the point of burying its head in a pillow to avoid the pain caused by bright lights.
