I have pathological myopia and am pregnant and my gynaecologist has told me that vaginal delivery is contraindicated due to the risk of retinal detachment. Do I have to have a caesarian?

There are no studies that demonstrate a relationship between a risk of pathological myopia and retinal tears during delivery. There are only reports of isolated cases with no statistical value. Therefore the stress and strain of vaginal delivery has not shown a significantly increased risk of ophthalmic lesion. A thorough retinal examination prior to delivery is recommended to ensure there are no predisposing lesions or to treat them with laser photocoagulation. We can thus minimise the chance of retinal detachment during delivery and during everyday situations.

Created: 01/01/2012 / Updated: 04/07/2024