Pregnancy and Cataract: Treatment Strategies and Current Approaches

Physiological and hormonal changes during pregnancy can influence the course of various ocular diseases. While cataracts typically develop as an age-related condition, they may also occur in younger women under certain circumstances. Systemic conditions such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes can increase the risk of cataract formation. Cataracts associated with pregnancy are usually bilateral and present as subcapsular opacities. Diagnosis during pregnancy can be made using standard ophthalmologic examination methods. As with all cataract patients, a comprehensive and detailed ophthalmic evaluation is essential. The primary goal in managing cataract during pregnancy is to improve maternal visual function while minimizing risk to the fetus. In cases of mild to moderate visual impairment, surgery can be postponed until the postpartum period. Conservative strategies such as updating refractive correction, working under adequate lighting, and using contrast-enhancing filters may be employed to improve quality of life during this time. Surgical intervention may rarely be required during pregnancy. Elective surgeries that cannot be postponed until after delivery should ideally be performed in the second trimester, when the risks of preterm labor and spontaneous miscarriage are lowest. Anesthetic agents and postoperative medications should be selected with careful consideration of fetal safety. Although cataract during pregnancy is a rare clinical scenario, it requires a multidisciplinary approach for optimal management.