How Two Medical Conditions That Affect Children's Joints Can Cause Glaucoma
It may be difficult to believe, but there are medical conditions that affect children's joints that can also affect their eyes and lead to glaucoma. Here's what you need to know about Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and juvenile idiopathic arthritis and how they can cause glaucoma in children. Perhaps it may explain some medical and optical problems in your children.
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
What it is—Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a genetic disorder that causes the body to produce defective collagen. Collagen is what gives cells in your body the ability to stretch and bounce back. There are several types of EDS, with the most common type being the hypermobile type. People with this type will often experience joint problems, particularly with dislocations and pain. Due to EDS being a genetic disorder, it's a good idea to have the entire immediate family tested for it, which can be done by a geneticist.
How it causes glaucoma—Eyes are 80% collagen. Due to the cells in the eyes being unable to perform normally, EDS can cause too much pressure to build up inside the eyes, which is called intraocular pressure (IOP). When the high pressure cannot be released naturally, the optic nerves can be damaged, with the result being glaucoma.
Treatment for EDS—There currently is no cure for EDS. Symptoms of EDS are treated by lifestyle changes, medication, and physical therapy. Sometimes, surgeries may be recommended to repair damaged joints. EDS is considered a progressive condition, so symptoms will likely worsen over time.
Treatment for glaucoma with EDS—Damage to the optic nerves can be irreversible, unfortunately. However, there are a few things that can be done before irreversible damage occurs, such as laser therapy, medication, and surgery. However, the problem with having EDS is that incisions take longer to heal due to the lack of sufficient, quality collagen since it essentially is the glue that holds cells together. With the inability to heal properly, the patient can be at high risk of developing an infection.
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
What it is—Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) causes swelling, stiffness, and pain in the tjoints. JIA used to be called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, although it is not similar to rheumatoid arthritis in adults. Medical professionals do not know what causes it, but researchers believe it may be an autoimmune disease. JIA typically appears between the ages of 6 months and 16 years.
How it causes glaucoma—Children with this condition tend to also have inflammation of the middle layer of the iris, (the colored part of the eye), which is called anterior uveitis. Inflammation within the eye can put pressure on the optic nerves. Of course, pressure on the optic nerves will cause them to be damaged, especially if the pressure is prolonged and/or intense.
Treatment for JIA—Treatment for JIA is somewhat similar to treatment for EDS, with lifestyle changes whenever possible, medication, physical therapy, and surgery (though rarely). The goal of treatment for JIA is to prevent or slow down the damage to the joints. Children with this condition should see a rheumatologist.
Treatment for glaucoma with JIA—Children with JIA who have glaucoma can be treated for glaucoma without any contraindications, such as there is with EDS. However, it is important to understand that the severity of a child's JIA will not determine the severity of the inflammation in their eyes and vice versa. More importantly, uveitis (inflammation in the eye) is not painful and does not change the color of the whites of the eyes. Someone could have uveitis and not know it until irreparable damage occurs, such as glaucoma. Therefore, the best treatment for children with JIA is to have eye exams on a regular basis.
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