Maternal use of antiglaucoma medications is associated with increased risk of low birth weightUnderstanding the Impact of Eye Drop Medications on Pregnancy Outcomes

Frontiers in Medicine Published July 24, 2026 Study authors: Hanying Fan, Yiji Zhang, Lin Jing, Yu He, Suzhen Wang, Liuzhi Zeng DOI ↗ Editorial oversight: Dr. Lars van Dijk, PhD · Surgical, Procedural & Diagnostic

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Key Takeaway

Note that maternal antiglaucoma medication use is associated with an increased risk of low birth weight (OR = 2.12).

This meta-analysis evaluated the safety of antiglaucoma medications during pregnancy, focusing on outcomes such as low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth (PB), and congenital anomalies (CA). The analysis included a sample size of 3,713.

The primary finding was an increased risk of low birth weight associated with maternal use of antiglaucoma medications, reported as OR = 2.12 (95% CI = 1.46 to 3.08). Results regarding the risks of preterm birth and congenital anomalies were inconclusive based on the available data.

The authors noted that while the evidence for LBW was clear, the evidence regarding PB and CA remains inconclusive. The studies included in this meta-analysis were characterized as being of good to excellent quality.

Clinically, these findings suggest a need for careful management when balancing maternal visual function with potential neonatal risks. Because the risk of low birth weight is statistically significant, clinicians should weigh the necessity of medication against known outcomes while noting that data on preterm birth and congenital anomalies are currently insufficient to draw firm conclusions.

How this fits prior evidence

This meta-analysis addresses a gap in understanding the safety profile of antiglaucoma medications during pregnancy. While previous coverage has focused on surgical interventions for refractive errors, drug delivery via hydrogels, and specific comparisons of medications like brinzolamide/timolol versus dorzolamide/timolol or preservative-free latanoprost, this study specifically addresses the risks to neonatal outcomes such as low birth weight (OR = 2.12) associated with maternal medication use.

Doctors are looking closely at how medications for glaucoma affect pregnant women. This study looked at over 3,000 cases to see if these treatments caused issues during birth.

The results showed that mothers who used these specific eye drops had about twice the chance of having a baby with a low birth weight. This means babies were born weighing less than expected compared to those whose mothers did not use the medicine.

While the link to lower birth weight was clear, other concerns were not as certain. The study could not find a clear connection between these eye drops and early births or physical birth defects in infants.

Doctors still believe that keeping a mother's vision healthy is very important. Because the results for many risks were unclear, patients should talk to their doctors to decide on the best treatment plan for their specific needs.

What this means for you:

Mothers using glaucoma eye drops have about twice the chance of having a baby with low birth weight.

Common questions

What did the study find about glaucoma medications and pregnancy?

The study found that women who used antiglaucoma medications during pregnancy had about double the risk of having a baby with low birth weight. The evidence for preterm birth and birth defects was not clear.

How many women were in the study?

The analysis included data from 3,713 pregnant women with glaucoma who used antiglaucoma medications.

Should I stop taking my glaucoma medication if I'm pregnant?

The study does not prove that the medications cause low birth weight. For some women, preserving vision is critical. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits for your specific situation.

Study Details

Study typeMeta analysis

EvidenceLevel 1

PublishedJul 2026

View Original Abstract ↓

Antiglaucoma medications are indispensable for preserving maternal vision, yet the associations between their use and adverse birth outcomes remain inconclusive. The meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 and MOOSE guidelines. We searched Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and ScienceDirect for eligible comparative studies. The outcomes were low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth (PB) and congenital anomalies (CA). The pooled results are expressed as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Influential publication was determined by performing sensitivity analysis. In addition, the potential sources of heterogeneity were examined by using subgroup analyses. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and Begg’s and Egger’s tests. The 8 included studies (11 datasets) were published between 2004 and 2024 and included 3,713 pregnant women with glaucoma. All the included studies were of good to excellent quality. Maternal use of antiglaucoma medications was associated with an increased risk of LBW (OR = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.46 to 3.08, p  Maternal use of antiglaucoma medications was potentially associated with an increased risk of LBW. In contrast, the evidence regarding PB and CA risk remains inconclusive. However, the preservation of maternal visual function remains a critical priority in certain cases. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/recorddashboard, Identifier CRD420261365100.

Maternal use of antiglaucoma medications is associated with increased risk of low birth weightUnderstanding the Impact of Eye Drop Medications on Pregnancy Outcomes

How this fits prior evidence

Common questions

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Maternal use of antiglaucoma medications is associated with increased risk of low birth weightUnderstanding the Impact of Eye Drop Medications on Pregnancy Outcomes

How this fits prior evidence

Common questions

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