How is pediatric glaucoma evaluated and diagnosed?
If a baby is suspected of having glaucoma, an examination under anesthesia is typically performed [See figure 1]. While under anesthesia the ophthalmologist evaluates the intraocular pressure (for elevation), cornea diameter (for increased size), cornea clarity (for cloudiness and Haab striae which are breaks in the back surface of the cornea), axial length (for elongation of the eye), refractive error (for myopia), and the optic nerve (for abnormal cupping which infers optic nerve damage). Some parts of this examination can be performed in the office on older, cooperative children.
