The course of glaucoma during pregnancy: a retrospective case series.
OBJECTIVE
To better understand the course of glaucoma during pregnancy in women with preexisting disease.


METHODS
Retrospective case series of 28 eyes of 15 women with glaucoma followed up during pregnancy. Data were analyzed for age, race/ethnicity, medications, glaucoma type, intraocular pressure (IOP), and visual fields before, during, and after pregnancy.


RESULTS
In 16 (57.1%) of 28 eyes, IOP was stable during pregnancy, with no progression of visual field loss. In 5 eyes (17.9%), visual field loss progressed during pregnancy, while IOP remained stable or increased. In 5 eyes (17.9%), IOP increased during pregnancy, but there was no progression of visual field loss. In 2 eyes (7.1%), data were inconclusive because of medication noncompliance and preexisting severe visual field loss. Glaucoma medications were used by 13 of 15 patients to control glaucoma during pregnancy. The classes of medications used most frequently were beta-blockers, alpha2-adrenergic agents, cholinergic agents, and topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.


CONCLUSIONS
The course of glaucoma during pregnancy is variable, and women must be monitored closely during pregnancy. Medications may be necessary to control IOP and to prevent vision loss during pregnancy.
Brauner
Stacey C
SC
Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
Chen
Teresa C
TC
Hutchinson
B Thomas
BT
Chang
Michael A
MA
Pasquale
Louis R
LR
Grosskreutz
Cynthia L
CL
D000328:Adult; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014794:Visual Fields / Q000502:physiology