Pediatric Glaucoma Treatment In Jaipur at Pink City Eye & Retina Center, Jaipur

Pediatric glaucoma, also called childhood glaucoma, is an uncommon but serious eye issue affecting infants and kids. At Pink City Eye & Retina Center, we emphasize early vision care, especially for conditions that may threaten your child’s eyesight permanently. Pediatric glaucoma is marked by a rise in the pressure inside the eye (called intraocular pressure or IOP), which can damage the optic nerve — the part of the eye responsible for sending visual messages to the brain.

While glaucoma is commonly known as a condition affecting older adults, it can also affect children from birth to teenage years. Since early damage may go unnoticed, Pediatric Glaucoma Treatment In Jaipur focuses on timely diagnosis and treatment to protect your child’s vision and future.

What is Pediatric Glaucoma?

Pediatric glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions in children where the eye pressure becomes abnormally high, usually because the fluid inside the eye isn’t draining properly. This pressure buildup can slowly damage the optic nerve over time.

At Pink City Eye & Retina Center, we typically classify childhood glaucoma into two main categories:

1️⃣ Primary Pediatric Glaucoma

This type of glaucoma appears without any other known eye condition and is further divided into:

a. Primary Congenital Glaucoma (PCG)

Also called infantile or congenital glaucoma, PCG usually shows up at birth or within the first year of life. It’s the most common form of glaucoma in infants and occurs due to improper development of the drainage system in the eye.

Common signs of PCG include:

A larger or cloudy-looking cornea
Constant tearing, even when the baby isn’t crying
Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
Unusually large eyes (a condition called buphthalmos)

In many cases, parents may notice changes in their baby’s eyes, and it’s important to consult a specialist immediately. PCG can run in families and may be genetic in some children.

b. Juvenile Open-Angle Glaucoma (JOAG)

Unlike PCG, JOAG appears in children older than 3 years, and sometimes even into young adulthood (up to 35 years). This type of glaucoma develops slowly and is often hereditary.

Key features of JOAG:

Usually shows no symptoms in the early stages
Often detected during school eye check-ups or routine exams
Often linked with nearsightedness (myopia)
Damage to the optic nerve may be visible during evaluation

Since children may not complain about vision issues, regular eye check-ups are important, especially if there is a family history of glaucoma.

2️⃣ Secondary Pediatric Glaucoma

This type of glaucoma occurs due to another eye problem or systemic disease. It can be more complex than adult glaucoma.

Causes of Secondary Glaucoma in Children:

Eye injuries or trauma
Inflammatory eye conditions such as uveitis
Post-surgical complications, particularly after congenital cataract removal
Associated systemic disorders such as:
- Neurofibromatosis
- Sturge-Weber syndrome
- Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome

Children with these conditions need ongoing monitoring, as secondary glaucoma can develop slowly and silently.

How to Recognize the Symptoms of Pediatric Glaucoma

At Pink City Eye & Retina Center, we believe that early identification is the key to protecting your child’s vision. Pediatric glaucoma can be tricky to detect because symptoms may be subtle and vary depending on the child’s age and the severity of eye pressure.

Watch for these key signs and symptoms:

🔹 Milky or Enlarged Eyes (Cloudy/Big Cornea)
You might notice that your child’s eyes look unusually large or hazy. This happens because high eye pressure stretches the cornea, giving it a cloudy or “milky” appearance.

🔹 Constant Watery Eyes (Tearing Without Infection)
If your child’s eyes water all the time—even when there’s no dust or cold—this could be a warning sign of increased eye pressure.

🔹 Sensitivity to Light (Photophobia)
Children may squint, close one eye in bright light, or shy away from sunlight or camera flashes. This sensitivity often points to discomfort caused by corneal changes.

🔹 Blurry or Poor Vision
Younger children may struggle to focus, track moving objects, or follow faces. Older children might complain about blurred or reduced side (peripheral) vision.

🔹 Eye Discomfort or Pain
Although rare in early stages, some children with advanced glaucoma may experience eye pain, especially if the pressure rises quickly.

🔹 Frequent Eye Rubbing
Kids may keep rubbing their eyes due to irritation, pressure, or poor vision. This behavior shouldn’t be ignored.

🔹 Involuntary Eye Movements (Nystagmus)
If your child’s eyes appear to shake or move uncontrollably from side to side, this may be linked to vision loss caused by glaucoma.

🔹 Crossed or Misaligned Eyes (Strabismus)
Pediatric glaucoma may cause one eye to drift inward or outward.

🔹 Difficulty Following Objects or Faces
Infants may not follow moving toys, lights, or their parents’ faces. This is often an early sign of vision problems.

How We Diagnose Pediatric Glaucoma In Jaipur at Pink City Eye & Retina Center

Diagnosing Pediatric Glaucoma In Jaipur isn’t always straightforward. Kids—especially babies—can’t explain what’s wrong, and signs might be mild. That’s why at Pink City Eye & Retina Center, Pediatric Glaucoma Treatment In Jaipur is approached with a careful, step-by-step process using advanced pediatric eye care tools to detect glaucoma as early and accurately as possible.

Here’s how we approach it

Understanding Medical and Family History

We begin by learning about your child’s health history and asking whether anyone in the family has had glaucoma or other eye conditions. Since some types of pediatric glaucoma are inherited, this step is important in evaluating overall risk.

Detailed Eye Examination

We perform a full eye exam to check the health of all eye parts, especially the optic nerve and retina. In very young children or infants who can't stay still, we may perform this examination under general anesthesia to get precise and safe results without causing stress to the child.

Measuring Eye Pressure (Tonometry)

This includes measuring intraocular pressure (IOP), a main sign of glaucoma. Elevated IOP is a red flag and often the first measurable sign of the disease. We use child-safe, gentle techniques for this test.

Drainage Angle Evaluation (Gonioscopy)

This test allows our specialists to look inside the eye at the drainage angle, which is the part responsible for fluid outflow. In children with glaucoma, this angle may be malformed or blocked. Gonioscopy helps us determine the type of glaucoma and guide treatment.

Examining the Optic Nerve

One of the most crucial steps is looking at the optic nerve, which may show signs of damage like nerve cupping (a hollowing of the nerve). Early changes can be subtle, but our trained specialists can detect them through advanced imaging and clinical observation.

Measuring the Cornea and Eye Size

Children with high eye pressure may develop a larger or cloudy cornea. We measure the corneal diameter and the axial length (the length of the eyeball) — both of which can offer clues about how long the pressure has been elevated.

Age-Appropriate Vision Testing

Depending on your child’s age and ability to cooperate, we may check:

Visual acuity (sharpness of vision)

Peripheral vision (side vision), especially in older children

These tests help us understand how much vision may have been affected and to what extent.

Treatment of Pediatric Glaucoma In Jaipur at Pink City Eye & Retina Center

Pediatric glaucoma is a serious but manageable condition. At Pink City Eye & Retina Center, our primary goal is to lower the intraocular pressure (IOP) inside the eye to prevent further damage to the optic nerve and to safeguard your child’s vision.

Here’s a look at the treatments we offer:

1️⃣ Medical Management: The First Line of Defense

In many cases, we begin treatment with eye drops or oral medications. These eye drops or pills either decrease fluid production or improve drainage, lowering pressure.

👉 Medications may include:

Beta-blockers – Reduce fluid production
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors – Slow down fluid build-up
Prostaglandin analogs – Improve natural drainage of fluid

2️⃣ Surgical Options: When Medications Aren’t Enough

If eye drops and medicines don’t sufficiently control the pressure, we may recommend surgery. Surgical treatment is often necessary in infants or complex glaucoma cases.

Here are the key types of surgeries we offer at our center:

A. Angle Surgeries (Best for Congenital & Early-Onset Glaucoma)

Goniotomy – A tiny cut made inside the eye to aid fluid outflow. Ideal when the cornea is clear and visibility is good.

Trabeculotomy – Like goniotomy, but works even if the cornea is cloudy. It involves creating an incision into the eye’s natural drainage system.

B. Filtration Surgery (Trabeculectomy)

A small flap is created in the white of the eye to let fluid escape through a new channel. While very effective in adults, in children it may not always last long due to rapid healing.

C. Glaucoma Drainage Devices (Tube Shunts)

A small tube and plate are implanted to channel excess fluid to a reservoir. These are often used in complex cases or when previous surgeries have not worked.

D. Cycloablation / Cyclophotocoagulation (Laser Therapy)

A specialized laser is used to gently reduce fluid production by targeting the ciliary body inside the eye.

- Can be done externally or via an endoscopic approach

Useful in severe or treatment-resistant cases

E. Iridotomy or Iridectomy

A tiny hole is made in the iris to reduce pressure in angle-closure glaucoma. Though less common in children, it may be recommended in specific scenarios.

F. Combined Surgeries

In some children who also have other eye issues like cataracts, we may perform multiple procedures together (e.g., cataract removal plus tube shunt surgery) for a more effective outcome.

3️⃣ Long-Term Monitoring & Follow-Up

Even after treatment, regular check-ups are vital. Pediatric glaucoma is a chronic condition, and the child’s eye pressure, vision development, and optic nerve health must be checked frequently.

At Pink City Eye & Retina Center, we provide:

- Regular IOP checks
- Visual development monitoring
- Optic nerve imaging
Ongoing medication adjustments (if needed)

Conclusion

Pediatric glaucoma is a rare but serious condition that requires early diagnosis and expert care. At Pink City Eye & Retina Center, we offer specialized Pediatric Glaucoma Treatment In Jaipur to help protect and preserve your child’s vision. With timely intervention and advanced treatment options, we are committed to giving your child the best possible eye care for a healthier visual future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How common is pediatric glaucoma?

Pediatric glaucoma is quite rare, especially the primary congenital type, which occurs in approximately 1 out of every 10,000 live births. Even though it’s not common, the condition is serious and needs timely medical attention.

Is pediatric glaucoma the same as glaucoma in adults?

No, they are not the same. Pediatric glaucoma differs significantly from adult glaucoma in terms of causes, symptoms, and treatment approach. Children’s eyes are still growing and may respond very differently to treatments than adults.

Who is at risk for developing pediatric glaucoma?

Pediatric glaucoma can affect a wide age range — from newborn babies (right at birth) to teenagers under the age of 18. Symptoms vary depending on age.

Is surgery always required for treating childhood glaucoma?

In many cases of congenital glaucoma, surgery is the most effective treatment and often necessary. However, eye drops and medications may also be used—either before surgery or in combination to maintain control of eye pressure.

Are medications used long-term for pediatric glaucoma?

Yes, in some cases. While medications might not replace surgery, they are sometimes prescribed for long-term pressure control, especially after surgery or in types of glaucoma that are more complex to manage.

Can pediatric glaucoma be completely cured?

Pediatric glaucoma is a chronic condition, which means it cannot be “cured” in the traditional sense. However, with early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and regular follow-ups, it can be well managed—and vision can often be preserved.

Can lost vision be restored once damaged by glaucoma?

Unfortunately, no. If the optic nerve gets injured, the lost vision can’t be restored. That’s why catching glaucoma early and starting treatment quickly is key to saving your eyesight.

Is pediatric glaucoma hereditary?

Yes, genetics can play a role—especially in primary congenital glaucoma, which may run in families. Children from families with glaucoma history should start screening early.

Who is the best doctor for Pediatric Glaucoma treatment in Jaipur?

If you’re looking for the best doctor for Pediatric Glaucoma treatment in Jaipur, we recommend Dr. Abhishek Kothari at Pink City Eye & Retina Center. He is a highly experienced glaucoma specialist who understands the unique challenges of treating childhood glaucoma and is known for accurate diagnosis and compassionate, effective care tailored to young patients.

What is the cost of Pediatric Glaucoma treatment at Pink City Eye & Retina Center in Jaipur?

The cost of Pediatric Glaucoma treatment depends on the child’s condition, age, the severity of the disease, and the type of intervention required — which may include eye drops, surgery, or both. At Pink City Eye & Retina Center, we offer affordable and transparent pricing along with high-quality pediatric eye care.

How can I book an appointment for Pediatric Glaucoma treatment in Jaipur?

You can book an appointment for Pediatric Glaucoma treatment at Pink City Eye & Retina Center, Jaipur by calling 0141-4901083, emailing [email protected], or visiting our clinic directly. We are open Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and Sunday, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. For specialized care, consult Dr. Abhishek Kothari, who is experienced in treating glaucoma in children and provides thorough evaluation and follow-up.

Which is the best clinic/hospital for Pediatric Glaucoma treatment in Jaipur?

Pink City Eye & Retina Center is one of the leading clinic/hospital in Jaipur for Pediatric Glaucoma treatment. With advanced diagnostic tools and gentle, child-friendly care provided by Dr. Abhishek Kothari, we ensure the most effective and supportive treatment experience for young patients and their families.

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