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Abstract

• Early identification of glaucoma in infants and children by physicians and care providers maximizes the likelihood of preserving useful vision.
• Glaucomas presenting in infancy share unique features related to the corneal and overall stretching of the eye under high intraocular pressure.
• Glaucomas presenting in older children sometimes take the form of refractive error, and their timely diagnosis may rely on careful scrutiny of the optic nerve head configuration and tonometry.
• All children with conditions predisposing to glaucoma should be regularly examined for glaucoma.
• Medical therapy is appropriate first-line therapy for many secondary glaucomas and to help clear the cornea for angle surgery in primary congenital glaucoma.
• Surgical intervention is essential for primary congenital glaucoma, and is often needed for other primary and secondary glaucomas inadequately controlled on medications.
• Successful care of childhood glaucoma requires ophthalmologists experienced in treating these rare conditions, but ultimately also requires a team approach including the family and child among other critical members.

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