Neovascular Glaucoma in Children: A case series and a review of the literature

Eur J Ophthalmol. 2022 Nov;32(6):3289-3294. doi: 10.1177/11206721221078678. Epub 2022 Feb 8.

Abstract

Purpose: To study the uncommon causes and treatment options for neovascular glaucoma in children.

Patients and methods: A review of the literature on neovascular glaucoma in children was conducted and we present three cases of neovascular glaucoma in children.

Results: We present three cases of neovascular glaucoma: two cases were secondary to a retinal vasoproliferative tumor-one to neurofibromatosis type 1 and the other to exudative retinopathy secondary to mild retinopathy of prematurity-and one case was secondary to a central retina vein occlusion secondary to an optic nerve glioma. Vision in the affected eye was severely impaired in all the children.

Conclusion: The diagnosis and treatment of neovascular glaucoma in children is challenging and often a complication of a systemic or late-stage ocular condition. An appropriate diagnosis and estimation of the visual potential are essential to determine the correct treatment, especially in young children.

Keywords: neovascular glaucoma; pediatric glaucoma; retinal vasoproliferative tumor.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Eye
  • Glaucoma, Neovascular* / diagnosis
  • Glaucoma, Neovascular* / etiology
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Retinal Vein Occlusion* / complications
  • Visual Acuity