Retinal Detachment and Pregnancy

Hi! Im a 32 year old female.  I had my 1st detachment 8 years ago in my left eye which was treated with the buckle.  In the same year, I had 2 laser surgeries on the same eye for detachment.  Last year (when I was 8 months pregnant), my retina detached in my right eye.  I had a vitrectomy (without anesthetic because they were worried about baby - was extremely painful!!).  Once my baby was born, 5 weeks later I had a detachment in my left eye again.  Every 2 weeks thereafter I had detachments in this eye.  In total I had 8 operations in 3 months.  My question is, could this have been caused by the pregnancy? I have spoken to my gynie and opthamologist and both say it wasnt the cause.  However, a womans body goes through so much when pregnant and the baby is using your energy and nutrients.  Also after birth, you are very run down.  I just find it hard to believe that pregnancy couldnt have been the cause? At present, my left eye has silicone oil in which my opthamologist says must stay in there forever.  He tried to take it out this year but my retina detached again after 3 days so he put the oil back in.  I would love to have another baby but am so worried about the retina detaching in my right eye again and having to go through the same story, and potentially have no eyesight.  Could pregnancy, the strain of pregnancy and hormonal changes be the cause? Thanks so much for your time!

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

There has been (thankfully) no relationship between RD and pregnancy. It was bad luck and circumstantial.

JCH III MD