Professional paper
Eye and Pregnancy
Marta Gotovac
; General Hospital »Požega«, Depatrment of Ophthalmology, Požega, Croatia
Snježana Kaštelan
; University of Zagreb, Dubrava University Hospital, Department of Ophthalmology, Zagreb, Croatia
Adrian Lukenda
; Opto Centar Eye Centre, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Hormonal, metabolic, hemodynamic, vascular and immunological changes that occur during pregnancy can affect the function of the eye. These changes are commonly transient, but in some cases they may be permanent and have consequences even after childbirth. The ocular effects of pregnancy may be physiological or pathological and can be associated with the development of new ocular pathology or may be modifications of pre-existing conditions. The most common
physiological changes are alterations of corneal sensitivity and thickness, decreased tolerance to contact lenses, decreased
intraocular pressure, hemeralopia and refractive errors. Possible posterior segment changes include worsening of diabetic retinopathy, central serous chorioretinopathy, increased risk of peripheral vitreochorioretinal dystrophies and retinal detachment. Thus, it should be kept in mind that the presence of any ocular symptoms in a pregnant woman requires ophthalmologic examination and further management.
Keywords
eye; pregnancy; refractive error; hormones
Hrčak ID:
102884
URI
Publication date:
22.4.2013.
Visits: 4.022 *