Abstract
Congenital glaucoma is a polygenic disorder characterized by the improper development of aqueous outflow system of the eye, hence resulting into a rise in intraocular pressure which is often present at birth. Though the disease is generally rare, the effect on visual development may be extreme. When recognized early and appropriate therapy applied, there can be significant improvements to the visual future of the children. The main symptoms of the condition include enlarged eye, which is referred to as buphthalmos; swollen cornea; decreased vision; sensitivity of the eye to light; tearing; as well as uncontrolled eye twitching. Congenital glaucoma affects 1 in 10,000 infants. Management is mainly surgical and the classical procedures, which are employed in congenital glaucoma, are trabeculotomy ab externo, goniotomy, as well as trabeculectomy. Goniotomy is done using a goniolens, to observe the structures of the anterior chamber. Goniotomy is mainly aimed at clearing the obstruction to the aqueous discharge from the eye, which in effect results in the reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP). Trabeculectomy, is a filtering process for the eye, where fistula is formed under a scleral flap into anterior chamber enabling the drainage of aqueous from anterior chamber to subconjunctival space. Trabeculectomy is often reserved as the second procedure following failure of angle surgery. A cyclodestructive procedure refers to ciliary body destruction, which is the section of the eye, which produces fluid. It can also be employed when it comes to the treatment of severe glaucoma, which has not had any kind of improvement after the use of other kinds of treatments or surgeries.