AAO 2024: Approaching pregnant women across the ophthalmic subspecialties

In a recent discussion with Dr. Arepalli and Sydney Crago from Modern Retina and Ophthalmology Times discussed a course focused on ocular conditions related to pregnancy and postpartum care, presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) meeting. Dr. Arepalli emphasized the need for better understanding and treatment protocols for conditions affecting pregnant patients, particularly in the fields of retina and uveitis.

She highlighted the lack of established guidelines for managing these conditions due to the risks involved for both the mother and fetus. Dr. Arepalli collaborated with colleagues from various ophthalmologic subspecialties, including neuro-ophthalmology, oncology, and glaucoma, to address common ocular conditions encountered during pregnancy. Key topics include diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema, both of which require careful management due to the potential for long-term vision loss if left untreated.

The discussion also touched on the complexities of treating pregnant patients with retinal detachment, where timely surgical intervention is critical but necessitates collaboration with obstetricians and anesthesiologists. Additionally, Dr. Arepalli noted that gestational diabetes can complicate the management of diabetic eye conditions, presenting challenges for both patients and healthcare providers.

She expressed enthusiasm for the AAO meeting, which brings together experts to share insights and treatment strategies, hoping that attendees will gain valuable knowledge from the course. Dr. Arepalli's course aims to equip ophthalmologists with the tools necessary to address the unique challenges of treating ocular conditions in pregnant patients, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes.