Retinal Detachment in Pregnant Women

Introduction

Many pregnant women report experiencing vision disturbances, which often start in the second and third trimesters and disappear a few months after giving birth or stopping breastfeeding. Pregnancy-related blurry vision is mainly caused by hormonal changes that cause dry eyes and water retention in the eyes. Ophthalmologists, on the other hand, should be aware of several physiologic, hormonal, and metabolic changes that also take place during pregnancy. In the third trimester, blood pressure rises, blood volume rises, insulin resistance worsens with poor glycemic control, and hypercoagulability is a few of these changes.

When Do Retinal Eye Problems Begin in Pregnancy?

Blurred vision is the most prevalent visual change during pregnancy that usually results from changes in the cornea. Visual changes mostly affect women in their second and third trimesters. The majority of the time, pregnancy-related visual abnormalities are mild and temporary. The symptoms may disappear after a few months of delivery or finished breastfeeding.

What Changes Occur in Vision During Pregnancy?

• Altered Cornea - Corneal thickness may increase and corneal sensitivity may get reduced.are some physiologic changes that affect the cornea and they are most likely caused by water retention. Pregnancy is a contraindication to having refractive eye surgery because these changes take place later in the pregnancy and may temporarily alter refraction.

• Differences in Eye Pressure (Intraocular Pressure) - In healthy eyes, a drop in intraocular pressure is linked to pregnancy, especially in the second half. This decrease may be significantly higher in persons with ocular hypertension.

• Adnexal Changes - The hormonally induced pigmentation increase around the eyes and cheeks known as chloasma, which is common during pregnancy, may have an affect on the ocular adnexa. This may disappear after delivery.

What is Retinal Detachment?

Many pregnant women report experiencing vision disturbances, which often start in the second and third trimesters and disappear a few months after giving birth or stop breastfeeding. The retinal cells detach from the layer of blood vessels that provide oxygen and nutrition to them. If the retinal detachment remains untreated for a prolonged period of time, it will run a greater chance of permanently losing one's vision in the affected eye.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Retinal Detachment in Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, the body goes through considerable changes that could have an effect on the retina. Pregnancy can lead to conditions like choroidopathy (any disease affecting the choroid layer of the eye) and hypertensive retinopathy (a condition where high blood pressure damages the blood vessels in the retina). The signs and symptoms includes:

• Light flashes are experienced in one or both eyes.

• On either side or in the middle, there is a thick shadow or "curtain" that blocks the field of vision.

• Dark patches may appear in the field of vision.

• Disorder of the arterial and venous systems of the retina.

• Diffuse intravascular coagulation.

• Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, a condition in which Blood clots develop in blood vessels all over the body.

• Light flashes are experienced in one or both eyes.

• On either side or in the middle, there is a thick shadow or "curtain" that blocks the field of vision.

What Are the Diagnostic Tests for Retinal Detachment Problems?

• Eye Examinations - Eye professionals will do eye check up by dilating the pupils using special eye drops.

• Optical Coherence Tomography - The imaging method known as optical coherence tomography (OCT) employs a low-coherence light to produce two and three-dimensional images with micrometer resolution from optical scattering medium. Optical coherence tomography scanner provides an automated, segmented representation of the vitreous and macula layers. This image illustrates the degree of vitreomacular traction’s involvement and tension on the macula. This imaging technique is helpful for identifying and treating macular conditions like vitreomacular traction.

• Fluorescein Angiography - A dye is injected into the patient's arm during this treatment and goes to the eye. The interior of the eye is then photographed using a special camera to look for obstructions or leaks. It is a useful examination that reveals the details about the retina's health. This provides a clear picture of the circulation on real time to the eye professionals. It is also helpful in identifying any swelling, such as cystoid macular edema in the macula caused by vitreomacular traction .

• Ultrasound Examination of the Eye - Ultrasound uses high-energy sound waves to examine the eye by creating echoes as they travel through the internal tissues.After numbing the eye using eye drops, the surface of the eye is gently probed with a small device that sends and receives sound waves. An image of the interior of the eye is created by the echoes..

How to Manage Blurry Vision During Pregnancy?

The good and bad news is that following delivery, eyesight should return to normal, even if there is not much much to avoid or treat such blurry vision while pregnant.Try these recommendations if dry eyes are the cause of the pregnancy's blurry vision:

• Make Use of Pregnancy-Safe Drops - Consult an ophthalmologist about using over-the-counter or prescription eye lubricants that are safe to use during pregnancy.

• Avoid Wearing Glasses - If anyone wears contact lenses, try wearing them only for brief periods of time.

• Take Periodic Breaksfrom Screens - Blinking less frequently and stare at a screen for a longer period of time can aggravate dryness and discomfort.

• Lower the Screen to Below Eye Level - The eyes may not be as wide open on looking down, which could help one save tears in between blinks.

Conclusion

Many pregnant women report experiencing vision disturbances, which often start in the second and third trimesters and disappear a few months after giving birth or stopping breastfeeding. Pregnancy-related blurry vision is mainly caused by hormonal changes that cause dry eyes and water retention in the eyes.The good and bad news is that following delivery, eyesight is normal, even if there is not much to avoid or treat such blurry vision while pregnant.Blurry vision may also be a symptom of pregnancy-related issues that could harm the unborn child's health. If the vision changes unexpectedly while pregnant, it is essential to get medical attention. By doing this, it can safeguard the eyes' long-term health.