Consultant ophthalmic surgeon Dr Sharon Heng of Moorfields Eye Hospital was recently featured in a BBC News article discussing the eye health challenges that can arise during pregnancy and after childbirth, particularly among women with diabetes.
The article, titled ‘Like a light switch – I woke up and couldn’t see’, explores the experience of a new mother who developed significant vision problems during and after pregnancy, highlighting the importance of understanding pregnancy-related changes in eye health and recognising symptoms that require medical attention.
Understanding Diabetic Macular Oedema and Pregnancy
The BBC article follows Jodie Akrill, a woman with type 1 diabetes who experienced temporary central vision loss in her right eye during the third trimester of pregnancy. Four months after giving birth, she woke up with significant vision impairment in the same eye.
Following an assessment at Moorfields Eye Hospital, she was diagnosed with diabetic macular oedema (DMO), a condition involving fluid accumulation and swelling in the macula.
The macula is the central part of the retina, located at the back of the eye. It plays an essential role in detailed central vision, which is needed for everyday activities such as reading and driving.
DMO can develop when diabetes damages the small blood vessels in the retina, causing fluid to leak into the macula. This can lead to blurred or distorted vision and, if left untreated, potentially lasting vision impairment.
Pregnancy can introduce additional considerations for women with diabetes, as existing diabetic retinopathy may worsen during pregnancy, potentially affecting the progression of DMO.
Dr Sharon Heng’s Expert Commentary
In the BBC article, Dr Sharon Heng provided insight into the prevalence of diabetic macular oedema and the challenges in understanding how frequently it affects pregnant women.
She explained:
“In the general population, DMO affects approximately 7% of patients diagnosed with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.”
Dr Heng also highlighted an important limitation in current medical data, noting:
“There is no current epidemiological data on the exact proportion of DMO amongst pregnant women.”
Her commentary provides valuable context on the relationship between diabetes, pregnancy and retinal health, while recognising that more population-level data is needed to establish the precise prevalence of DMO among pregnant women.
Dr Heng further explained that pre-existing diabetic retinopathy can worsen during pregnancy and may contribute to the worsening of DMO. These insights highlight why eye health deserves attention as part of pregnancy care, particularly for women living with diabetes or existing retinal conditions.
Why Eye Health Matters During Pregnancy
Pregnancy brings various hormonal and physiological changes that may affect the eyes and vision. While some changes can be temporary, new or sudden vision problems should never be assumed to be a normal part of pregnancy.
Women with diabetes may require particular attention to their retinal health, as diabetic eye disease can progress during pregnancy. Appropriate eye assessments and follow-up care can help clinicians monitor changes and determine whether treatment is needed.
Anyone experiencing sudden vision loss, new blurring, distortion or other significant visual changes should seek prompt medical assessment.
Read the Full BBC Feature
Dr Sharon Heng’s contribution to the BBC article underscores the importance of raising awareness about diabetic eye conditions and the potential effects of pregnancy on vision. To read the full article and learn more about Jodie Akrill’s experience and recovery, visit the BBC News feature:
‘Like a light switch – I woke up and couldn’t see’ – BBC News
