Corneal Biomechanical Parameters during Pregnancy. Issue 3 (May 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sen, Emine; Onaran, Yüksel; Nalcacioglu-Yuksekkaya, Pinar; Elgin, Ufuk; Ozturk, Faruk
• Is Part Of: European journal of ophthalmology. Volume 24:Issue 3(2014)
• Page Start: 314
• Page End: 319
• Publication Date: 2014-05
• Subjects: Central corneal thickness -- Corneal biomechanics -- Hormonal changes -- Pregnancy; Ophthalmology -- Periodicals; Eye -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 617.7005
• DOI: 10.5301/ejo.5000378
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1120-6721

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the variation in biomechanical properties and central corneal thickness (CCT) for each trimester during pregnancy and to compare the values with those in nonpregnant women. Methods: We prospectively studied the eyes of 32 pregnant and 34 age-matched non-pregnant women. The parameters included corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), Goldmann-correlated intraocular pressure (IOP), and corneal-compensated IOP measured by the Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA). The CCT was also measured with an ultrasonic pachymeter attached to the ORA. Results: The mean age was 27.0 ± 3.8 years in the study group and 28.0 ± 4.1 years in the control group. The mean CH measurement was 10.6 ± 1.4 mmHg in the study group and 10.1 ± 1.3 mmHg in the control group. The mean CRF value was 9.6 ± 1.7 mmHg in the study group and 10.0 ± 1.4 mmHg in the control group. The mean CCT value was 541.1 ± 22.4 μm in the study group and 536.5 ± 27.1 μm in the control group. No statistically significant differences were found regarding CH, CRF, or CCT values between the 2 groups (independent t test, p = 0.160, p = 0.355, p = 0.450, respectively). Conclusions: Hormonal changes during pregnancy may not affect corneal biomechanics. This may be due to the balanced effect of the various hormones on the cornea during pregnancy.