Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 18 and up Women only

Understanding retinal changes during pregnancy

Official title: Understanding Retinal Vascular Changes During Pregnancy and the Impact on Maternal and Fetal Health

Run by Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NCT06311617 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study looks at how pregnancy affects the eyes by taking special pictures of the retina at different stages to help doctors better understand eye health during this time.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years and up
SexWomen only
Enrollment90 (estimated)
SponsorVanderbilt University Medical Center
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Nashville, Tennessee)
StatusRecruiting
StartedFebruary 1, 2024
Main results expectedJanuary 2027
Study endsJanuary 2027
Registry record updatedMay 8, 2026
Trial IDNCT06311617 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are pregnant individuals aged 18 and older who are in their first or second trimester.

Probably not a fit

Patients with significant ocular diseases that prevent imaging or those unable to comply with study requirements may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate how the retina and choroid of the eye change throughout pregnancy. Using non-invasive optical coherence tomography, specialized images will be captured at three key time points: early in pregnancy, late in pregnancy, and after delivery. The study will assess parameters such as blood flow and the health of retinal cells, providing insights into how pregnancy affects eye health. This understanding may help retina specialists manage retinal diseases during pregnancy and improve pregnancy outcomes.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the understanding of retinal health during pregnancy, leading to better management of eye conditions for pregnant individuals.

How similar studies have gone: While there is ongoing research into ocular changes during pregnancy, this specific approach using optical coherence tomography is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patient age 18 years and older
2. Patient able to provide informed consent
3. Pregnant at time of enrollment and in the 1st or 2nd trimester of pregnancy

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Other ocular disease that prevents imaging (significant cataract or other media opacity)
2. Unable to comply with imaging or follow-up through duration of study

Where it's running

  • Vanderbilt University Medical Center
    Nashville, Tennessee, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.