Acute ischemic optic neuropathy in severe preeclampsia

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Obstetrics
• Neurology

Background:

• Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication.
• Visual impairment is a rare but serious complication of preeclampsia.

Observation:

• A 32-year-old woman experienced bilateral blindness during severe preeclampsia.
• Ophthalmoscopy revealed chalky-white optic discs with minimal retinal vascular changes.

Findings:

• The patient's vision fully returned within three days after a caesarean section.
• Ophthalmoscopic findings support acute ischemic optic neuropathy, not severe retinal vascular compromise, as the cause of blindness.

Implications:

• This case highlights a rare presentation of preeclampsia-induced blindness.
• It suggests acute ischemic optic neuropathy as a potential cause of visual loss in severe preeclampsia.