Pregnancy-induced ocular changes: impacts on intraocular pressure, the cornea, and the anterior chamber
Abstract Background This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the trimester-specific effects of pregnancy on intraocular pressure, corneal biomechanics, anterior segment anatomy, and endothelial cell morphology. Methods This prospective cross-sectional study included 90 healthy pregnant women (30...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
BMC
2025-05-01
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| Series: | BMC Ophthalmology |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12886-025-04130-8 |
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| Summary: | Abstract Background This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the trimester-specific effects of pregnancy on intraocular pressure, corneal biomechanics, anterior segment anatomy, and endothelial cell morphology. Methods This prospective cross-sectional study included 90 healthy pregnant women (30 per trimester) and 30 age-matched non-pregnant controls. Comprehensive ophthalmological assessments were performed, including IOP measurement using a non-contact tonometer, corneal structure evaluation with Pentacam Scheimpflug imaging, and endothelial cell analysis using a specular microscope. Results A significant decrease in IOP was observed in the third trimester compared to the control group (p = 0.016), although no significant difference was noted in the first and second trimesters (p > 0.05). Corneal endothelial analysis revealed a significant decrease in hexagonal cell percentage (HEX) values during the first trimester (p = 0.007). Correlation analysis demonstrated a strong positive relationship between central corneal thickness (CCT) and corneal volume (r = 0.817, p < 0.001) and a moderate positive correlation between CCT and IOP (r = 0.263, p = 0.004). Axial length was strongly negatively correlated with both flat keratometry (r=-0.562, p < 0.001) and steep keratometry (r=-0.538, p < 0.001), and strongly positively correlated with anterior chamber volume and anterior chamber depth (r = 0.380, p < 0.001 and r = 0.384, p < 0.001, respectively). A moderate positive correlation was also identified between gestational trimester and HEX (r = 0.257, p = 0.005). Conclusions Pregnancy induces temporary but significant ophthalmological changes, particularly a decrease in IOP in the third trimester and a decrease in HEX in the first. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring ocular health during pregnancy to detect potential risks early and ensure timely intervention. |
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| ISSN: | 1471-2415 |