Ms. Tien, 31, developed diabetes in her seventh month of pregnancy. After childbirth, her blood sugar levels returned to normal, so she did not follow up with the doctor as instructed.

Doctor Doan Thi Phuong Nhi, a Specialist Doctor Level One (BS.CKI) at the High-Tech Eye Center, Tam Anh General Clinic District 7, stated that Ms. Tien had proliferative diabetic retinopathy in both eyes, a severe stage. Vision tests recorded 10/10 in both eyes, but fundus imaging revealed numerous abnormal neovascularizations, traction, and vitreous hemorrhage in both retinas.

"Many people mistakenly believe that clear vision means healthy eyes. In reality, diabetic retinopathy can silently progress for a long time without reducing vision in its early stages," doctor Nhi explained.

Ms. Tien's right eye clearly shows hemorrhage in the vitreous chamber. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Ms. Tien's right eye clearly shows hemorrhage in the vitreous chamber. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

When blood sugar remains high for extended periods, the blood vessels supplying the retina become damaged and blocked. To compensate for the lack of oxygen, the retina forms new blood vessels. However, these vessels are fragile, prone to leaking or rupturing, leading to vitreous hemorrhage, macular edema, retinal detachment, and a risk of vision loss if not treated promptly. Pregnancy alters hormones, circulation, and blood sugar control, which can accelerate retinal damage in high-risk individuals.

The doctor prescribed anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (Anti-VEGF) injections into the vitreous chamber to control the abnormal neovascularizations, while also monitoring and controlling blood sugar levels with an endocrinologist.

After one month of treatment, the hemorrhage was controlled, blood sugar stabilized, and Ms. Tien no longer saw abnormal bright streaks.

Doctor Nhi examines Ms. Tien's eyes. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Doctor Nhi examines Ms. Tien's eyes. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Doctor Nhi noted that diabetic retinopathy can still appear or continue to progress even after pregnancy ends and blood sugar levels stabilize. Women who have had gestational diabetes require regular eye examinations. If symptoms such as floaters, flashes of light, distorted vision, or reduced vision appear, prompt examination is crucial to prevent permanent vision loss.

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes, common in individuals with long-standing diabetes or a history of gestational diabetes, and often presents without symptoms in its early stages. Pregnant women can also experience eye conditions caused by hypertension, preeclampsia, eclampsia, or thyroid disease, which can lead to retinal damage, blurred vision, or even blindness if not treated promptly.

Doctor Nhi recommends that pregnant women undergo regular eye examinations every three to six months. Especially when co-existing conditions such as gestational hypertension or gestational diabetes are present, patients need specialized eye exams to prevent dangerous complications.

Ngoc Kim Tham

*Patient's name has been changed