Untitled Glaucoma Glaucoma is a general term used to indicate damage to the optic nerve and visual field loss that is caused by, or related to, elevated pressure within the eye. Secondary glaucoma indicates that other ocular or systemic abnormalities are associated, even if a similar developmental defect of the trabecular meshwork is also present. Each of these can be attributed to corneal irritation. Only about one third of affected infants, however, demonstrate the classic symptom complex.
Parents are just as likely to notice signs.
These include corneal edema, corneal and ocular enlargement, conjunctival injection, and visual impairment. The sclera and cornea are more elastic in early childhood than later in life. They rarely occur beyond 3 years of age or in corneas less than 12.0 mm in diameter. The cornea also becomes edematous and cloudy with increased intraocular pressure. The corneal edema leads to tearing and photophobia, other hallmarks of the disease.