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Preeclampsia and the Retina

  • Preeclampsia (A Kattah, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review summarizes key findings relating to the association between preeclampsia and retinal disorders.

Recent Findings

Preeclampsia is a major cause of maternal morbidity. Pregnant women with preeclampsia frequently describe having visual disturbances. Retinal changes can be identified on fundoscopy in most patients with preeclampsia. While retinal pathology secondary to preeclampsia usually resolves postpartum, there is growing evidence that women with preeclampsia have a higher long-term risk of developing retinal disorders after pregnancy.

Summary

Pregnant women often experience visual changes. While these symptoms may be benign, careful attention should be paid to exclude retinal disorders secondary to preeclampsia. Pregnant women complaining of new-onset or worsening blurry vision, scotomata, diplopia, or photopsia require rapid and thorough evaluation to rule out hypertensive disorders. Management of preeclampsia, including administration of magnesium sulfate and delivery of the fetus, can reverse retinal pathologies in most cases.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada (G-22-0031974) and the Fonds de recherche du Québec-Santé (Auger 296785).

Funding

Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada,G-22-0031974,Fonds de Recherche du Québec—Santé,296785

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada

    Safiya Soullane

  2. University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada

    Marc-André Rhéaume & Nathalie Auger

  3. Department of Ophthalmology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada

    Marc-André Rhéaume

  4. Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Montreal, QC, Canada

    Nathalie Auger

  5. Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada

    Nathalie Auger

  6. Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada

    Nathalie Auger

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  1. Safiya Soullane
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  2. Marc-André Rhéaume
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  3. Nathalie Auger
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Contributions

SS and NA wrote the preliminary versions of the manuscript. MAR critically appraised the manuscript for intellectual content. NA supervised the study.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Nathalie Auger.

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Soullane, S., Rhéaume, MA. & Auger, N. Preeclampsia and the Retina. Curr Hypertens Rep 26, 169–174 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11906-023-01290-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11906-023-01290-0

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