Buphthalmos
| Buphthalmos | |
|---|---|
| Classification and external resources | |
| ICD-10 | Q15.0 |
| ICD-9 | 743.2 |
| DiseasesDB | 1778 |
| MeSH | D006871 |
Buphthalmos (plural: buphthalmoses) is a condition which affects the eyes of newborn humans. It is sometimes called infant glaucoma or buphthalmia (plural buphthalmias).[1] It appears to be an autosomal recessive trait. It appears in newborns or within the first 3 months of life.[2] An abnormally narrow angle between the cornea and iris blocks the outflow of aqueous humor,[3] which causes increased intraocular pressure and enlarged eyeball ("bulging").
Contents
Symptoms
Patients with buphthalmos will exhibit excessive tearing, extreme sensitivity to light (photophobia), increased intraocular pressure, and distortion of the optic disc. The eyes appear abnormally large, often with hazy corneas.
Prognosis and treatment
Untreated buphthalmos leads to total blindness. Surgical treatment is required, to open or enlarge the Schlemm's canal. Presently-utilized surgical procedures include goniotomy, trabeculotomy, or trabeculectomy.
Etymology
The name of the condition derives from the Greek βοῦς bous (ox or cow), referring to the bulging eyes common to bovines.
Cases of buphthalmos in popular culture
US musical legend Ray Charles, who was totally blind by age 7, had probably been afflicted by buphthalmos.[4]
References
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- ↑ http://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/Buphthalmos Merriam-Webster online medical dictionary
- ↑ Merriam-Webster: Over 80% of cases are evident by 3 months of age.
- ↑ The Schlemm's canal is usually collapsed (Merriam-Webster)
- ↑ http://www.swingmusic.net/Ray_Charles_Biography.html Swing Music website, page for Ray Charles
