Congenital glaucoma is most commonly caused by a developmental anomaly in which structure, and what is the pathognomonic clinical sign in infants?
- A Schlemm's canal aplasia; congenital cataract
- B Ciliary body hypersecretion; deep anterior chamber
- C Imperfect cleavage of trabeculo-dysgenesis with persistent endodermal membrane; buphthalmos (enlarged corneal diameter >13 mm) ✓
- D Lens subluxation blocking trabecular meshwork; miosis
Correct answer: C. Imperfect cleavage of trabeculo-dysgenesis with persistent endodermal membrane; buphthalmos (enlarged corneal diameter >13 mm)
Explanation
Primary congenital glaucoma (Barkan's membrane theory) results from imperfect cleavage or maldevelopment of the angle structures — the trabecular meshwork retains an immature configuration (trabeculodysgenesis) with a persistent membrane blocking aqueous outflow. The infant's corneoscleral coat is distensible under raised IOP, resulting in buphthalmos (ox eye) — corneal diameter >13 mm (normal neonate <10.5 mm), Haab's striae (horizontal breaks in Descemet's), and corneal clouding. The classic triad is photophobia, epiphora, and blepharospasm.
Reference: Khurana Comprehensive Ophthalmology, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.