When an elderly person loses vision due to glaucoma, it’s sad enough, but did you know babies can have glaucoma, too?

This eye disease involves damage to the optic nerve, which connects the eyeball to the brain. Two healthy optic nerves are required for normal sight in humans.

Glaucoma typically results from fluid buildup in the eye. When fluid can’t drain properly, it causes pressure to rise inside the eye. Eye structures and tissues are delicate, so extra pressure can damage them, permanently affecting sight.

Several factors can lead to glaucoma, including an eye injury or surgery, or problems with the eye’s blood vessels.

But some people are born with structural problems that prevent proper eye fluid drainage. This is called congenital glaucoma. It causes signs of the disease even in infants.

Congenital glaucoma is sometimes inherited. Scientists have identified genetic mutations that cause some cases of the illness.

Although glaucoma can sometimes be identified through genetic testing, it’s important to know the signs of the disease. One key sign is when the exterior surface of the eye, the cornea, is cloudy instead of clear as it should be. Excess tear production, sensitivity to light and uncommonly big eyes are other signs of glaucoma in children.

Cloudiness of the cornea appears gradually, so it’s vital to look for any changes in baby’s eyes. Signs of glaucoma warrant a visit to the pediatrician as soon as possible, and ultimately a trip to see an ophthalmologist.

If performed in time, corrective surgery can prevent most permanent vision damage.

So, when you’re staring into your newborn’s baby blues, ask yourself if everything looks normal. You just might save him from a life of blurry vision, or worse.