Ocular manifestations of Pregnancy Induced Hypertension

Abstract

Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH) can have grave consequences for both mother and foetus. Ocular involvement is common in majority of cases of PIH. Most common symptoms are blurring of vision, photopsias, scotomas, and diplopia. Ocular involvement includes conjunctival vascular anomalies, hypertensive retinopathy, exudative retinal detachment, vitreous and pre-retinal haemorrhages, ischemic optic neuropathy and hypertensive choroidopathy. This review discusses the ophthalmic manifestations of PIH with special emphasis on retinal changes. The ocular vascular changes have been said to correlate with the severity of hypertension and ophthalmic examination is very helpful for evaluation, diagnosis and prompt management.