Buphthalmos

Buphthalmos (also known as buphthalmia) is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal enlargement of the eyeball. This condition is often associated with congenital glaucoma, a type of glaucoma that occurs in infants and young children. The term "buphthalmos" is derived from the Greek words "bous" meaning "ox" and "ophthalmos" meaning "eye," reflecting the enlarged appearance of the eye.

Causes

Buphthalmos is primarily caused by increased intraocular pressure (IOP) within the eye, which leads to the stretching and enlargement of the eyeball. This increased pressure is typically due to congenital glaucoma, which can result from developmental anomalies in the eye's drainage system. Other potential causes include:

• Sturge-Weber syndrome
• Neurofibromatosis type 1
• Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome

Symptoms

The symptoms of buphthalmos can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. Common symptoms include:

• Enlarged eyeball
• Corneal edema
• Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
• Epiphora (excessive tearing)
• Blepharospasm (involuntary tight closure of the eyelids)
• Myopia (nearsightedness)

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of buphthalmos typically involves a comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist. Diagnostic procedures may include:

• Measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP)
• Gonioscopy to examine the drainage angle of the eye
• Ultrasound biomicroscopy to assess the structure of the eye
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) to evaluate the retina and optic nerve

Treatment

The treatment of buphthalmos aims to reduce intraocular pressure and prevent further damage to the eye. Treatment options may include:

• Medications to lower intraocular pressure
• Surgical procedures such as trabeculotomy, goniotomy, or trabeculectomy
• Laser therapy to improve fluid drainage

Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent vision loss and other complications associated with buphthalmos.

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with buphthalmos depends on the severity of the condition and the effectiveness of the treatment. With early intervention, many patients can achieve good control of intraocular pressure and preserve their vision. However, untreated or poorly managed buphthalmos can lead to significant visual impairment or blindness.

See also

• Glaucoma
• Congenital glaucoma
• Ophthalmology
• Intraocular pressure