Neuro-ophthalmic disorders in pregnancy

This review discusses evaluation and treatment of neuro-ophthalmic disorders in the pregnant patient.

Any neuro-ophthalmic abnormality seen in nonpregnant women can be seen in pregnant women. Pregnancy-specific complications (preeclampsia and eclampsia) cause visual symptoms and can affect the entire visual axis.

Appropriate evaluation and examination is important to preserve the health and vision of the mother and prevent complications in the fetus. Evaluation should proceed in the same way for a pregnant patient as it would for a nonpregnant patient, with few exceptions. Treatment decisions may be influenced by stage of pregnancy.