[Glaucoma and pregnancy--review of the literature with a case report].
BACKGROUND
Intraocular pressure usually decreases during pregnancy. Pregnancy-related physiological changes do not seem to cause progression of glaucoma.


METHODS
The literature regarding glaucoma, ocular hypertension and pregnancy indexed in Medline is reviewed. In addition, we report on a 35-year-old patient with ocular hypertension and a known glaucoma family history, who was thoroughly examined before, during and after pregnancy (visual fields, optic disc measurements, 24-hours tension profile, sense physiology ["Erlanger flicker-test", pattern-reversal-ERG, blue-yellow-VEP], ocular perfusion).


RESULTS
Visual fields and optic disc measurements did not become worse during pregnancy. Also the other sensory parameters ("Erlanger flicker-test", pattern-reversal-ERG, blue-yellow-VEP) did not deteriorate. Intraocular pressure was reduced by 7 mm Hg during and 2 months after pregnancy. Systolic and diastolic blood velocity of the ophthalmic artery measured by dopplersonography was increased by 60% during pregnancy.


CONCLUSIONS
According to present knowledge pregnancy is associated with decreased intraocular pressure and does not seem to constitute a risk factor for progression of ocular hypertension or primary open angle glaucoma. Whether antiglaucomatous drug therapy during pregnancy is necessary awaits further evaluation.
Cursiefen
C
C
Augenklinik mit Poliklinik, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg.
Jünemann
A
A
Korth
M
M
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D009798:Ocular Hypertension / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D014794:Visual Fields / Q000502:physiology