When to Seek Medical Care

Any child suspected of having glaucoma should be seen as soon as possible by an ophthalmologist to prevent vision loss. In some cases, a pediatrician might refer a child with possible glaucoma to an ophthalmologist.

With a complete eye examination, the ophthalmologist can look for signs of glaucoma. Some of the tests can be done in the office, while others must be performed in the operating room (see Exams and Tests).

Tonometry, a method used to measure the pressure inside the eye, can be done in the office. Measuring the pressure is important because increased IOP can be a sign of glaucoma.

Tonometry can often be performed on a child's eye with a handheld instrument called a Perkins tonometer. Sometimes, the pressure measurement taken in the office may be artificially elevated because of the child being uncooperative during the examination.

Changes in the cornea may also be evident during the office visit. Often, especially within the first few years of life, corneal changes can be seen that might indicate glaucoma.

With primary congenital glaucoma, the cornea is usually enlarged and swollen because of the increased IOP, so the eye appears large. The cornea may also appear cloudy or hazy because of the elevated pressure.