Ophthalmic artery velocimetry in normotensive and preeclamptic women with or without photophobia

Objective: To compare ophthalmic arterial velocimetry in normotensive and preeclamptic gravidas with and without photophobia. Methods: Ophthalmic arteries were studied by color-now Doppler ultrasonography in 118 normotensive pregnant women, 20 gravidas with preeclampsia and no visual symptoms, and 11 with preeclampsia, photophobia, and retinal edema. Results: The ophthalmic arterial pulsatility index (PI) correlated negatively with gestational age (y = -0.01x + 1.84, r = -0.41, P < .01). Pulsatility index in preeclamptics with photophobia (0.71 +/- 0.17) was lowest among the three groups (P < .01) and was highest in normotensive pregnant women (1.41 +/- 0.21, P < .01). Mean velocity in normotensive pregnant women (0.19 +/- 0.05 m/second) was highest among the groups (P < .01) and was not significantly different in preeclamptic women with no visual symptoms (0.27 +/- 0.03 m/second) and with photophobia (0.30 +/- 0.02 m/second). Conclusion: Preeclamptic women, especially those with photophobia, have orbital vascular vasodilation or hyperperfusion, or both. (C) 1999 by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.