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 type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Vanderbilt University Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Nashville, Tennessee) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | January 2027 |
| Study ends | January 2027 |
| Registry record updated | May 8, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06311617 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
- Principal investigator: Avni P Finn, MD, MBA — Vanderbilt Eye Institute
- Study coordinator: Saige Priddy
- Email: saige.priddy@vumc.org
- Phone: 615-936-2020
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Pregnant Women Living with HIV on Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide
This study looks at how B/F/TAF is used in pregnant women with HIV and whether it helps maintain viral suppression from before conception through delivery.
-
Pelvic Floor Training and a Modified Lumbopelvic Belt for Symphysis Pubis Pain in Pregnancy
This study tests whether pelvic floor muscle training plus a modified lumbopelvic belt can reduce pain and improve function for pregnant women with symphysis pubis pain.
-
Effective Communication in VBAC Counseling
This study tests how clearly doctors and midwives explain VBAC options during prenatal visits and whether patients feel understood.
-
Innovative Multidisciplinary and Virtual Care for IBD in Pregnancy
This study tests a dedicated IBD pregnancy care model, including a new virtual approach, to see if it improves access and quality of care for pregnant people with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
-
Compare spinal-epidural versus general anesthesia for babies after cesarean delivery
This trial tests whether the type of anesthesia used for cesarean delivery affects newborn hearing in babies.
-
Pregnant women weight-management support via an app and care model
Aims to try a smartphone-based weight-management program plus professional support for pregnant women to see if it helps manage gestational weight and promote healthy behaviors.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.