Ocular Manifestations of Pregnancy

Pregnancy may be associated with ocular changes, which most often are transient in nature. It can exacerbate preexisting conditions or be associated with development of new conditions. The ocular effects of pregnancy may be divided into physiologic changes, pathologic conditions, or modifications of preexisting conditions. Pathologic conditions include entities such as preeclampsia and eclampsia, along with conditions that are seen with increased frequency during pregnancy such as central serous chorioretinopathy. The most significant modified preexisting condition is diabetes mellitus. The various effects of pregnancy on the eye will be reviewed throughout this chapter