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Buphthalmos

 

Abnormal enlargement of the eyes; see glaucoma.

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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 "bu" (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

  1. ^ http://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/Buphthalmos Merriam-Webster online medical dictionary
  2. ^ Merriam-Webster: Over 80% of cases are evident by 3 months of age.
  3. ^ The Schlemm's canal is usually collapsed (Merriam-Webster)
  4. ^ http://www.swingmusic.net/Ray_Charles_Biography.html Swing Music website, page for Ray Charles







 
 
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Descemet's membrane

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Veterinary Dictionary. Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary 3rd Edition. Copyright © 2007 by D.C. Blood, V.P. Studdert and C.C. Gay, Elsevier. All rights reserved.  Read more
Wikipedia. This article is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Buphthalmos" Read more