Congenital glaucoma is a condition that affects newborn babies causing increased pressure in the eye. The word is spelled as [kənˈdʒɛn.ɪ.təl ˈɡlɔː.kəʊ.mə] in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "con-" indicates the meaning "originating from birth", while the second syllable "-genital" refers to the organs of generation. The last part "-glaucoma" indicates a disease of the eye, specifically an increase in intraocular pressure. This word presents a challenge in spelling due to its length and unusual combination of sounds.
Congenital glaucoma, also known as infantile glaucoma, is a rare eye condition that occurs at birth or shortly after birth. It is characterized by increased intraocular pressure (IOP), which is the pressure inside the eye, due to abnormalities in the eye's drainage system. Unlike adult-onset glaucoma, which is often caused by a gradual blockage of the drainage channels in the eye, congenital glaucoma is typically caused by malformations or abnormalities in these channels.
This condition is usually identified within the first year of a child's life. Symptoms of congenital glaucoma may include excessive tearing, light sensitivity, clouding of the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye), and enlarged eyes. If left untreated, it can lead to irreversible damage to the optic nerve and permanent vision loss.
Treatment for congenital glaucoma usually involves surgical intervention to improve the eye's drainage and reduce the intraocular pressure. The type of surgery may vary depending on the severity of the condition and the age of the child. In some cases, multiple surgeries may be needed. Following surgery, medication and regular eye examinations are often necessary to monitor the condition and prevent further complications.
In conclusion, congenital glaucoma is a rare eye condition present at birth or occurring shortly after birth, characterized by increased intraocular pressure due to abnormalities in the eye's drainage system. Early detection and appropriate treatment are crucial to preserve the child's vision and prevent long-term complications.
Buphthalmos.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "congenital" comes from the Latin word "congenitus", which means "born with" or "inborn". It is derived from the words "con-" meaning "together" and "genitus" meaning "born" or "produced".
The word "glaucoma" has its roots in the Greek language. It is a combination of two Greek words, "glaukos" meaning "gray" or "greenish-gray" and "oma" meaning "tumor" or "mass". The term was coined by the Greek physician Galen in the 2nd century AD to describe the grayish hue of the affected eye.
Therefore, "congenital glaucoma" refers to a condition where an individual is born with an abnormality in the eye's drainage system, leading to increased pressure within the eye and potential damage to the optic nerve over time.