Glaucoma is a group of conditions that affect the optic nerve. The optic nerve passes signals from the eye to the back of the brain. This is where images get processed and forms how you see the world around you.
The optic nerve can become damaged due to a number of reasons. One of the main reasons for glaucoma in children is due to high pressure in the eye. This is called intraocular pressure or IOP.
The eye needs a certain amount of pressure to help produce fluids that supply nutrients to the eye and to help to drain waste. If the drainage system does not develop properly, the IOP can rise to levels that are
higher are than the normal range.
There may also be other conditions that cause abnormalities to the structures of the eye. Some of these conditions include: Peter’s Anomaly, Sturge Weber syndrome and Axenfield’s or Reiger’s Anomaly. Some children can also develop glaucoma after cataract
surgery or inflammation in the eye.
Many children will need surgery and eye drops to treat and reduce the IOP. This will help to reduce further damage to the eye.
Glaucoma can cause a range of symptoms. These symptoms can be difficult to explain and therefore manage.
Damage to the optic nerve can cause reduced vision. You may find that your vision is blurry or cloudy. Spectacles may help your vision to some extent, but you may find that your vision is still significantly reduced.
In these instances, is it important to know how to adapt the world around you. It is important to focus on increasing the magnification and contrast of your materials, so that this becomes more accessible. You can also use text-to-speech devices. This is very common, and can help you to process information on the days that your eyes feel visually worse or tired.
You may also find bright lights very uncomfortable and you may notice that you cannot tolerate light levels to the same levels as your peers. It is important to try to control the lighting in your environment so that it does not cause glare. Glare can impact your vision and make
details hard to see.
You may also find that your eyes become very watery. This can be very irritating and this can also impact your vision. When your eyes water, the light that enters the eye becomes scattered. This is why your vision becomes blurry during this period. It is important to speak to your parents and doctor if this is impacting you. There may be a number of causes for watery eyes.
How do I prepare my children for drops and visits to the hospital?
Hospital visits for any person can be nerve wracking. Children can become more comfortable once they have familiarised themselves with the area. Sometimes explaining what the visit will involve and seeing the physical layout of the hospital can help to make it feel less daunting. Moorfields Eye Hospital have a walk through to help with this.
Instilling eye drops can also be challenging for both yourself and your child. There are many resources to help with this.
Before putting in your eyedrops, first check that the drops are still in date.
If you were using a new bottle of eyedrops also check that the seal is not broken make sure you're putting the correct drops into the correct eye.
Let the correct time to instil your drops. Place a clean tissue on a flat surface wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water invert the bottle two or three times to ensure the contents are evenly mixed together.
Remove the lid and place it on the tissue tilt your head back, pull down your lower lid and form a small pocket. Make sure that the tip of the bottle does not come into contact with your skin or eyelashes as it might contaminate the drops.
Look up and gently squeeze the bottle so that a single drop falls into the pocket made by your lower lid.
Blink the drops in press lightly on the inner corner of your eye this enables more of the drop to be absorbed and not run away down your tear duct.
Wipe any excess fluid from your closed eyelids with a clean tissue.
Recap your drop bottle if you have more than one drop to instil. Wait at least 5 minutes before putting in another drop.
Wash your hands with soap and water to remove any traces of medication.
If you have any problems please contact our nurse led helpline service Moorfields Direct on 0207 566 2345
There are many organisations and charities with information, advice and social events for children with Glaucoma: