Diabetic retinopathy in pregnancy: effects on the natural course

Pregnancy can cause changes in the functioning of the eye in health and in disease and also affect preexisting ocular conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy. Progression of retinopathy in pregnancy depends on a variety of factors, including severity of retinopathy at conception, adequacy of treatment, duration of diabetes, metabolic control before pregnancy, and the presence of additional vascular damage (ie, preexisting or concomitant hypertensive disorder). Developments in medical, obstetrical, and ophthalmologic management of the pregnant diabetic have greatly improved the prognosis for successful pregnancies and maintaining vision.