Ophthalmic Complications and Ocular Changes in Pregnancy- A Review

Pregnancy results in metabolic, hemodynamic, vascular, and immunologic changes. These physiological changes affect multiple organ systems including the visual system. The ophthalmic changes that occur during pregnancy are divided into physiological or pathological. Although ocular changes are common in pregnancy, many are mild, temporary, and require little to no treatment. However, it is important to recognize that serious ophthalmic pathology can occur which requires immediate medical intervention. This article is a review of the pathological and physiological changes which occur within the parturient as well as the safety of medication used to treat various conditions. Objective:The aim of this study was to review physiologic and pathologic ocular changes that are associated with pregnancy in pregnant women. After reading this article, readers should be able to:          i.            Distinguish physiological pregnancy-related ocular changes from pathological        ii.            Assess the relevance of ocular disease to the choice of childbirth method      iii.            Ophthalmic medication safe for pregnancy Conclusion:Pregnancy provides a great opportunity for physicians to establish care in a younger population who otherwise would not seek medical attention. As a result, physicians are able to treat and screen for several common pathologies during pregnancy. Certain ocular changes, whether physiological or pathological, may be increased during pregnancy. Thus, it is important to be educated on pathophysiological changes that are common in pregnancy in order to better counsel women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Although many ocular changes are mild, temporary, and require little to no treatment, allocular symptoms in pregnancy requires ophthalmologic examination and management. However, long term data on ophthalmic drugs during pregnancy and lactation is insufficient. Thus, doctors should always be cautious and consult expert opinion before using any topical or systemic treatment on the patient.