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Chapter 25 - Blurring of Vision and Sudden Loss of Vision in Pregnancy

from Section 5 - Medical and Surgical Emergencies During Pregnancy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 May 2021

By
Anomi Panditharatne  and
Edwin Chandraharan
Edited by
Edwin Chandraharan  and
Sir Sabaratnam Arulkumaran
Edwin Chandraharan
Affiliation:
St George's University of London
Sir Sabaratnam Arulkumaran
Affiliation:
St George's University of London
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Summary

The tear film consists of three layers: the outer lipid layer, the middle aqueous layer and the inner mucin layer. The stability of the tear film is dependent on all three layers functioning in an optimal, synergistic manner. The lipid layer is secreted by the Meibomian glands and the aqueous and the mucin layers by the lacrimal glands and goblet cells, respectively.

In pregnancy, the tear film becomes unstable and alters in composition, causing it to break up quickly, resulting in irritation and discomfort to the patient (Figure 25.1). It is important to examine the eye under a slit lamp and exclude any other lid or corneal pathology, which could be contributing to these ocular symptoms.

Type
Chapter
Information
Obstetric and Intrapartum Emergencies
A Practical Guide to Management
 , pp. 178 - 184
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2021

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References

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