Glaucoma is an eye disease usually characterised by increased intra-ocular pressure. There are a number of different forms of glaucoma. The condition mainly affects those over the age of forty. However there is a congenital form of the condition which affects babies and children. In this congenital type the cause of the condition is abnormal development of eye tissue. It is called hydrophthalmia or buphthalmos. The cornea may look hazy or the eye may enlarge due to increased internal pressure. The first thing a parent may notice is an aversion to light or watering of the eyes in the absence of inflammation. In cases of congenital glaucoma, it is necessary to perform a small but delicate operation to allow the eye fluid to circulate, followed by regular monitoring.

Chronic glaucoma is an insidious condition which may cause restriction of vision. Tests should be performed during routine eye examinations for those over 40, or for people with familial incidence of the condition. In most cases early treatment will prevent further deterioration in vision.

Acute glaucoma is a painful condition due to sudden increase of eye pressure, causing blurred vision, haloes round sources of light and is a medical emergency requiring hospital admission and usually laser or operative treatment. If treated intensively and without delay, vision subsequently is often little affected.

Inheritance patterns
A genetic predisposition is recognised in both congenital and chronic glaucoma. Close blood relatives should be examined to exclude a similar condition.

Prenatal diagnosis
No test is yet available. Research is in progress on genetic markers.

Medical text written November 1991 by Contact a Family. Approved November 1991 by Professor M Patton, Professor of Medical Genetics, St Georges Hospital Medical School, London, UK and Dr J E Wraith, Consultant Paediatrician, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester, UK. Last updated February 2005 by Mr R Pitts-Crick, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon and President of the International Glaucoma Association, London, UK.

Further Online Resources
Medical texts in The Contact a Family Directory are designed to give a short, clear description of specific conditions and rare disorders. More extensive information on this condition can be found on a range of reliable, validated web sites and links to them are included in the CD-ROM version of this Directory. Further information on these resources can be found in our Medical Information on the Internet article.

INTERNATIONAL GLAUCOMA ASSOCIATION

International Glaucoma Association
15 Highpoint Business Village
Henwood
Ashford TN24 8DH
Tel: 01233 648170 Sightline
Tel: 01233 648164 Programming
Fax: 01233 648179
e-mail: info@iga.org.uk
Web: http://www.glaucoma-association.com

The Association is a National Registered Charity No. 274681, established in 1974. It offers support and reassurance to those with the condition, their relatives and anyone who is concerned. There is a network of support groups. The Association holds meetings and distributes literature as a forum for both professionals and patients to share their knowledge and views on all aspects of the condition. It campaigns for the improved treatment of glaucoma and raises awareness of the need for all three glaucoma tests to be carried out during a routine eye check. It supports much research into glaucoma, both in the UK and abroad. Free information about glaucoma and the work of the charity is available on request. The Association has approximately 10,000 members and friends.

Group details last updated February 2008.