Retinal Detachment During Pregnancy: Symptoms & Treatment

Retinal Detachment During Pregnancy

Summary: Retinal detachment is a serious eye condition where the retina separates from its normal position, leading to potential permanent vision loss if not treated quickly. While pregnancy itself doesn’t commonly cause retinal detachment, certain pregnancy-related conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, &  rare complications such as HELLP syndrome can increase the risk. Regular eye check-ups & choosing the right specialist can help protect your vision during this sensitive phase.

Key Takeaways:

  • Retinal detachment during pregnancy is uncommon, but certain conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes may increase the risk.
  • Early symptoms like floaters, flashes of light, or shadowed vision should not be ignored, especially during pregnancy.
  • Timely diagnosis & treatment are crucial to prevent permanent vision loss.
  • Safe & effective treatment options such as laser therapy, pneumatic retinopexy, & scleral buckle are available depending on the severity.

We all know that we experience at least once when our vision isn’t nearly as sharp as it once was. Hence keeping an eye out for any developing eye illnesses will help you lower your risk of losing your eyesight. Eye problems can develop if you’re not taking good care of your eyes; but consultation & medication at the right-time can help in many ways. Retinal detachment is a similar eye-related disorder. In this post, you’ll read everything about it. 

What Is Retinal Detachment?

A fatal eye illness called retinal detachment occurs when the retina, a layer of tissue at the rear of the eye that receives light, peels away from the surrounding tissue. It’s also known as a detached retina. It can also be used to describe an urgent scenario in which the retina, a delicate layer of tissue in the back of the eye, pulls out of place. 

The layer of blood vessels that supply oxygen and sustenance to the retinal cells is separated from them by retinal detachment. You run a higher risk of permanently losing vision in the affected eye if the retinal detachment is left untreated for long. 

Symptoms Of Retinal Displacement

There can be no symptoms if your retina has only partially detached. However, if more of your retina is separated, you might not see as clearly as usual, and you might experience additional unexpected symptoms, such as:

  • Several fresh floaters, or tiny dark spots, move around in your area of vision.
  • Either one or both eyes see light flashes.
  • Your field of vision is obscured by a dark shadow or “curtain” on either side or in the center.

It’s critical to visit your eye doctor or the emergency hospital as soon as possible if you have signs of a detached retina. There are some cases of retinal detachment in pregnancy as well. 

Retinal Displacement And Pregnancy

The body undergoes significant changes during pregnancy, which could impact the retina. Diseases like choroidopathy and hypertensive retinopathy can be brought on by pregnancy. It can result in the following:

  • Arterial and venous retinal occlusive disorder.
  • Diisseminated intravascular coagulation 
  • Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura 
  • Exudative retinal detachments in the HELLP syndrome

Therefore, when treating pregnant patients, we must always use extra care to select drugs, diagnostic tools, and surgical techniques.

Treatment For Retinal Displacement

Options for therapy can be discussed with you by your ophthalmologist. For the best outcomes, your surgeon might incorporate a range of treatments.

  • Laser treatment:

Your doctor typically identifies a retinal tear before the retina peels away. Your doctor may employ a medical laser or a freezing device to repair the tear. The scar left behind by these implants keeps the retina in place.

  • Pneumatic retinopexy:

Your doctor might advise pneumatic retinopexy if the separation isn’t too severe. Your healthcare practitioner injects a tiny gas bubble into the vitreous, the fluid inside the eye, during pneumatic retinopexy. The tear is sealed by the bubble’s pressure on the retina.

  • Scleral buckle:

Your doctor physically wraps a silicone band around your eye during this treatment. The band secures the retina and keeps it there indefinitely. Healing then begins for the detached retina. Later, the tear is sealed using a laser or a cryopexy.

If you’re suffering from retinal detachment during your pregnancy, then retinal detachment surgery (while pregnant) is another available treatment. 

Why Choose Centre For Sight?

If you’re looking forward to an eye clinic where you can get your retinal detachment surgery done, then contact CFS. 

Our network of vision correction services is expanding, and we pride ourselves on putting the needs of our patients first. To provide the world with a marvel of sight, CFS was created. Our cutting-edge laser technology, elite surgical teams, and first-rate patient care enable us to do this. Additionally, our eye surgeons are rethinking patient-centered eye care from a new angle. Contact us to know more.

FAQs

How likely is retinal detachment to occur during pregnancy?

Retinal detachment during pregnancy is rare. Most women do not face this issue unless they already have high myopia (minus power), previous eye surgery, eye trauma, or retinal disease.

Can pregnancy cause retinal detachment?

Pregnancy does not directly cause retinal detachment. However, hormonal changes, fluid retention, & increased blood pressure may worsen pre-existing eye conditions in some women.

Who is at higher risk of retinal detachment during pregnancy?

You may be at higher risk if you have high myopia (more than -6.00 power), a history of retinal tear or detachment, previous LASIK or cataract surgery, diabetes or diabetic retinopathy, or eye injury.

What are the early warning signs of retinal detachment in pregnancy?

Sudden flashes of light, new or increased floaters, shadow or curtain-like effect in vision & blurred or distorted vision are the early warning signs of retinal detachment in pregnancy. If you notice these symptoms, contact an eye specialist immediately.

Can a normal delivery cause retinal detachment?

In most cases, normal delivery is safe & does not cause retinal detachment. Women with severe retinal issues may need a doctor’s evaluation before deciding mode of delivery.

Can retinal detachment be treated during pregnancy?

Yes. Treatments like laser therapy or cryotherapy can be done safely during pregnancy. Emergency care is important to prevent permanent vision loss.

How can I protect my eyes during pregnancy?

Get a comprehensive retina check-up. Make sure to control blood sugar & blood pressure. Avoid rubbing or straining your eyes. Follow up with your ophthalmologist regularly, especially if you have high minus power.

Is retinal detachment preventable?

You cannot always prevent it. But early screening & timely treatment can reduce risk and protect vision.

Retinal Detachment During Pregnancy

Retinal Detachment During Pregnancy: Symptoms & Treatment