A type of congenital glaucoma occurring in infants.
An abnormal enlargement of the eye. The outer layers of the eye are oversized and distended. Buphthalmos, which comes from two Greek roots meaning “ox eye,” is also known as infantile glaucoma or megophthalmos (Greek, meaning “big eye”).
Infantile or congenital glaucoma: increased pressure within the eye due to a defect in the development of the tissues through which fluid drains from the eye. Since the outer coat (sclera) of the eyeball of children is distensible, the eye enlarges as the inflow of fluid continues. It affects both eyes and may accompany congenital malformations in other parts of the body. Treatment is by surgical operation, e.g. goniotomy, to improve drainage of fluid from the eye. Spontaneous arrest of buphthalmos may occur before vision is completely lost.
An infant presenting with an oversized and noticeable eye caused by congenital glaucoma, which is characterized by heightened pressure within the eye. Typically, this condition is managed through surgical procedures aimed at alleviating the elevated pressure. Failure to address the issue promptly can lead to progressive impairment of the child’s vision.