Meenakshi Babu, Vimala Thangaraj, Sharmila Devi Vadivelu, Sudarvizhi Arumugam, Manupriya Murali
BACKGROUND Developmental glaucoma includes congenital glaucoma and glaucoma associated with other developmental anomalies, either systemic or ocular. In all forms it occurs in about 1 in 10,000 live births. The aim of the study is to analyse aetiology of developmental glaucoma and its mode of treatment and outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a retrospective study conducted in Regional Institute of Ophthalmology, Government Ophthalmic Hospital, Chennai during the period of June 2005 to September 2007. 66 eyes of 37 patients were included in the study RESULTS Most common age group affected was less than 3 years with predilection for female children. Most common systemic anomaly was Sturge Weber syndrome seen in 4 cases, followed by congenital heart disease which accounted for 3 cases. Most common complication associated with developmental glaucoma in this study was corneal decompensation which occurred in 17 eyes followed by cataract in 6 eyes. Myopia was the most common refractive error. The success rate was 81%, 67% and 67% at the end of 3 months, 6 months and 1 year respectively for trabeculectomy. The success rate for trabeculotomy with trabeculectomy was 88%. CONCLUSION Developmental glaucoma is a global problem. A proper diagnostic evaluation under general anaesthesia is required. Surgery remains the principle therapeutic modality in the management of developmental glaucoma. It is important that appropriate surgery should be chosen and performed with technical perfection in a tertiary care centre where there is adequate facility to ensure safe anaesthesia and skilful surgery with a lifetime follow up.
