Abstract

DO.13.01

Ocular changes in pregnancy

Thomas Neß
Universitäts-Augenklinik Freiburg

All organs adapt during pregnancy. Also most intraocular tissues exhibit changes in pregnancy. Nonpathological physiologic changes concern lids, ocular surface, cornea, intraocular pressure and refraction.
Some typical pathologic conditions in pregnancy include hypertensive and vascular disorders leading to vascular spasms and circulatory disorders of the conjunctiva, retina, choroidea and optic nerve, especially during eclampsia and pregnancy associated hypertension. Some preexisting disorders were influenced by pregnancy. Diabetic retinopathy may deteriorate and needs special examination intervals. Tumors like choroidal melanom, hemangioma and adenoma of the hypophysm increase. In contrast autoimmune disorders like uveitis or glaucoma improve during progress of pregnancy.

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