Understanding retinal changes during pregnancy

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

Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NCT06311617

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
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorVanderbilt University Medical Center (other)
Locations1 site (Nashville, Tennessee)
Trial IDNCT06311617 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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

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.

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 performed: While there is ongoing research into ocular changes during pregnancy, this specific approach using optical coherence tomography is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Nashville, Tennessee

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Pregnancy, Optical coherence tomography, Imaging, Retina, Vascular, Fundus Photography

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.