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What are the symptoms of congenital glaucoma?

Nov 19, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Baohua
Introduction
Symptoms of congenital glaucoma generally include enlarged eyeballs, photophobia with tearing, corneal clouding, abnormal visual development, and elevated intraocular pressure. In infants and young children, the walls of the eyeball are relatively soft; thus, increased intraocular pressure can lead to progressive enlargement of the eye. This manifests as asymmetry in eye size, with the affected eye noticeably larger than the healthy one. In severe cases, proptosis (bulging eye) may occur, making it difficult for the eyelids to fully cover the eyeball.

　　Symptoms of congenital glaucoma generally include enlarged eyeballs, photophobia and tearing, corneal clouding, abnormal visual development, and elevated intraocular pressure. A detailed analysis is as follows:

　　1. Enlarged eyeball: In infants and young children, the eye wall is relatively soft. Elevated intraocular pressure can cause gradual expansion of the eyeball, resulting in unequal eye sizes. The affected eye is noticeably larger than the healthy one. In severe cases, the eyeball may protrude, making it difficult for the eyelids to fully cover it.

　　2. Photophobia and tearing: Increased intraocular pressure irritates ocular surface tissues, causing the child to frequently experience sensitivity to light. When exposed to bright light, the child may close their eyes or turn their head away. This is often accompanied by involuntary tearing, with increased tear production even in indoor environments.

　　3. Corneal clouding: Prolonged elevation of intraocular pressure leads to corneal edema and opacity. The normally transparent cornea becomes whitish and hazy. Visually, the child's eye may appear "foggy." In severe cases, this impedes light entry into the eye, further worsening vision damage.

　　4. Abnormal visual development: Persistent elevation of intraocular pressure damages the optic nerve, impairing normal visual development. This manifests as delayed responses to surrounding objects, lack of active tracking of toys or lights, and, in older children, blurred vision or frequent bumping into objects while walking.

　　5. Elevated intraocular pressure: Increased intraocular pressure is the core symptom of congenital glaucoma, but it must be confirmed through professional examinations. Children may experience ocular discomfort due to high pressure,表现为 frequent eye rubbing and irritability, particularly noticeable during nighttime or upon waking.

　　If any of the above symptoms are observed, the child should be taken immediately to a pediatric ophthalmologist for evaluation. Diagnosis is confirmed through tests such as intraocular pressure measurement and fundus examination. Once diagnosed, prompt treatment under medical supervision is essential to control intraocular pressure, protect the optic nerve, and preserve the potential for visual development.

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