1.
To report the profile of newly diagnosed childhood glaucoma using the Childhood Glaucoma Research Network (CGRN) classification, presenting over one year from across centers in India 2.
Prospective observational multicentric Study 3.
Newly diagnosed children aged < 18 years diagnosed with childhood glaucoma according to CGRN criteria presenting between January and December 2019 to thirteen centers across India. 4.
All children underwent a comprehensive ocular examination, including examination under anaesthesia (EUA) for younger children, and were diagnosed with childhood glaucoma as per CGRN. Data were entered in a standard Excel chart. Refraction and Visual acuity assessment were done when feasible. 5.
The profile of newly diagnosed childhood glaucoma in different parts of India and the severity of glaucoma at presentation. 6.
1743 eyes of 1155 children fulfilled the definition of glaucoma and were analyzed. PCG comprised the single largest group (34.4%), most of which were infantile-onset (19%). Neonatal onset PCG comprised 6.2% of all glaucoma. Secondary glaucomas constituted 53.4% of all glaucomas, half of which were acquired conditions (28%), followed by isolated ocular anomalies (14.7%), glaucoma after cataract surgery (6.7%) and glaucoma with non-acquired systemic diseases (4.5%). Of the 1743 eyes with glaucoma, all three parameters for severity grading were available in 842 eyes, of which 501 (59.5%) eyes were mild, 320 (38%) were moderate, and 21 (2.5%) presented with severe glaucoma. Nearly a third of the children (28.5%) were not brought back for follow-up after the initial treatment given. 7.
Our Study has one of the largest numbers looking at consecutive children with glaucoma classified according to the CGRN classification. Despite a widely diverse population, the profile of childhood glaucoma was relatively uniform across India. Childhood glaucoma is a significant problem in India, primarily treated in tertiary care hospitals. The data presented may be the tip of the iceberg since we have only reported the children who reached the hospitals offering treatment for this challenging disease.

Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Inc.