[Glaucoma and pregnancy--review of the literature with a case report]

Visual complaints in pregnancy: (pre)eclampsia as a chameleon

Objective

The visual system often is affected in patients with preeclampsia and even more in cases of eclampsia, a life-threatening pregnancy complication. Symptoms include blurred vision and deterioration of visual acuity. Pregnancy can also affect pre-existing conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy. In this case series, we describe three patients with the same underlying condition, i.e. (pre)eclampsia who experienced acute visual disturbance whereas the final diagnosis was different: disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC), posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), and diabetic retinopathy.

Methods and results

All patients underwent a thorough slit lamp examination and ocular coherence tomography (OCT). All patients presented with acute impaired vision and subretinal fluid and-/or fibrin.

Conclusions

These cases highlight the importance of early involvement of ophthalmologists when pregnant women complain about visual disorders.

Sex- and gender-based differences in healthy and diseased eyes

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to identify sex- and gender-based differences in ocular anatomy, physiology, and disease susceptibility or manifestation.

METHODS

Review of current indexed literature was conducted.

RESULTS

Sex and sex hormones influence the lacrimal system, eyelids and blinking, corneal anatomy and disease, aqueous humor dynamics and glaucoma, crystalline lens and cataract, uveitis and retinal disease, ocular circulation, and optic nerve anatomy and disease. Systemic conditions, particularly autoimmune disease, and conditions that are unique to women, such as pregnancy and menopause, further illustrate the effects of sex hormones on the eye. Gender-based differences in ocular conditions and disease should be considered within the context of the underlying physical and social environment.

CONCLUSIONS

Many sex- and gender-based differences exist in healthy and diseased eyes.