Eye Care, Understanding and Special Consideration during Pregnancy

Abstract

Pregnancy is often associated with ocular changes which may be more commonly transient but occasionally, permanent. It may be associated with the development of new ocular conditions, or can exacerbate pre existing conditions. The ocular effects of pregnancy may be physiological or pathological or may be modifications of pre existing conditions. Adnexial changes include chloasma, spider angiomas and ptosis. Anterior segment changes include a decrease in conjunctival capillaries and an increase in the granularity of conjunctival venules and in corneal curvature, changes in corneal thickness, refractive index, accommodation and refractive errors, and a decrease in intraocular pressure. Posterior segment changes include worsening of diabetic retinopathy, central serous chorioretinopathy, increased risk of peripheral vitreochorioretinal dystrophies and retinal detachment, and a beneficial effect on non-infectious uveitis. Systemic disorders of importance include preeclampsia, Graves’ disease and multiple sclerosis. Intracranial disorders with ocular effects in pregnancy include pseudo-tumor cerebri, prolactinoma and Sheehan’s syndrome.Conclusion, since during pregnancy arise all these physiological, pathological, exacerbation and modification of pre existing condition special care and understanding of these changes should be taken into special consideration as it involves dual care of the mother and the fetus.

Keywords: Ocular changes, pregnancy, care, understanding