Buphthalmos ( Hydrophthalmos )

• Infantile or congenital glaucoma : increased pressure within the eye due to a defect in the development of the tissue through which fluid drains from the eye.
• Since the outer coat (sclera) of the eyeball of children is distensible, the eye enlarges as the inflow of fluid continues.
• It usually affects both eyes and may accompany congenital abnormalities in other parts of the body.
• Treatment is by surgical operation, eg goniotomy, to improve drainage of fluid from the eye.
• Spontaneous arrest of buphthalmos may occur before vision is completely lost.