Study of Ocular Fundus Changes in Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension and Visual Outcomes After Delivery

Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality, often results in ocular involvement, most notably hypertensive retinopathy. The aim of this prospective research was to investigate the types and prevalence of ocular fundus changes in PIH patients and to assess their visual outcomes following delivery.

In a prospective observational study, 400 pregnant women with a clinical diagnosis of PIH were included. Everyone who participated received a thorough ocular checkup that included fundoscopy and an evaluation of their visual acuity. The Keith-Wagener-Barker classification was used to grade the retinal alterations. To record the resolution of retinal abnormalities and visual recovery, patients were monitored at one, four, and 12 weeks after giving birth.

Ocular fundus changes were observed in 179 women (44.8%). The most prevalent finding was retinal hemorrhages, noted in 288 patients (72%), followed by retinal exudates in 195 patients (48.8%). The presence and severity of hypertensive retinopathy correlated significantly with the grade of PIH. Following delivery, visual acuity showed progressive improvement. At one week, 20% of patients had severe visual impairment, which decreased to 1.3% by 12 weeks. Notably, 80% of patients regained normal vision (6/6) at the 12-week follow-up.

Ocular fundus changes are a frequent complication of PIH, and their presence is a reliable indicator of systemic disease severity. The study demonstrates that visual impairment associated with PIH is largely transient, with the vast majority of patients experiencing significant visual recovery within three months of delivery. These findings provide crucial evidence for patient counseling and underscore the value of routine ocular assessment in the management of PIH.