The surgery is safe and effective. If surgery is done promptly, these children usually have an excellent chance of having good vision. Secondary glaucomas can develop as a complication of other medical conditions. One type, known as pigmentary glaucoma, occurs when pigment from the iris flakes off and blocks the meshwork, slowing fluid drainage. A severe form, called neovascular glaucoma, is linked to diabetes.
Treatment is with medicines, laser surgery, or conventional surgery.
The NEI is supporting many research studies both in the laboratory and with patients. This research should provide better ways in the future to detect, treat, and prevent vision loss in people with glaucoma. For instance, researchers recently found a gene that causes a form of glaucoma that starts at a young age. This is the first glaucoma gene ever located. This finding could help us learn more about how glaucoma damages the eye.