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Primary congenital glaucoma is caused by the improper development of the drainage channels (trabecular meshwork) in the eye. More fluid (aqueous humor) is continually being produced but cannot be drained because of the improperly functioning drainage channels. Therefore, the amount of fluid increases inside the eye and raises IOP.

Another way to think of high pressure inside the eye is to imagine a water balloon. The more water that is put into the balloon, the higher the pressure inside the balloon. The same situation exists with too much fluid inside the eye. The more fluid, the higher the pressure.

Also, just like a water balloon can burst if too much water is put into it, the optic nerve in the eye can be damaged by too high of a pressure.

Primary congenital glaucoma is different from childhood glaucomas that are associated with other congenital abnormalities or those that develop as a result of other eye disorders, such as inflammation, trauma, and tumors.

Most cases of primary congenital glaucoma occur sporadically. However, the disease may be inherited.

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