The Influence of Pregnancy on Diabetic Retinopathy

摘要

Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness in the 24-64 year old age group. Within this age group, a significant number of the diabetics are women in their childbearing years. Pregnancy can adversely affect the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy. The risk factors which influence diabetic retinopathy in pregnancy include: the metabolic control, the duration of diabetes, the severity of retinopathy at conception, and the presence of coexisting vascular disorders. The pathophysiology for the worsening of diabetic retinopathy during pregnancy is unclear, but may include factors such as modifications in macular blood flow or increases in circulating growth factor levels. In the majority of cases, the changes of diabetic retinopathy during pregnancy regress to the prepregnancy levels during the third trimester or in the postpartum period. However, in some patients, treatment needs to be undertaken during the pregnancy. Prepregnancy counselling with regards to diabetic retinopathy and regular surveillance for the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy during pregnancy is paramount.