Evaluation of anterior segment parameters during and after pregnancy.

PURPOSE

To compare the anterior segment parameters during pregnancy and post-pregnancy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-four healthy pregnant women in their third trimester with ages ranging from 18 to 38 years were included in the study. All of the patients underwent comprehensive ophthalmologic examinations, including refraction, anterior segment, and fundus examinations, intraocular pressure, and axial length measurements. In addition, anterior chamber angle, anterior chamber depth, anterior chamber volume, corneal volume, central corneal thickness, and keratometry values were measured by Pentacam Scheimpflug camera. All measurements were measured again 3 months after delivery.

RESULTS

The mean intraocular pressure, anterior chamber angle, anterior chamber depth, anterior chamber volume, corneal volume, central corneal thickness, and keratometry measurements were significantly different during pregnancy and post-pregnancy (p<0.05 for all); however, the mean spherical refraction, cylindrical refraction, and axial length were not statistically significantly different during pregnancy and post-pregnancy (p>0.05 for all).

CONCLUSIONS

We found that there is an increase in the anterior chamber parameters, corneal volume, corneal thickness, and corneal curvature and a decrease in intraocular pressure in the third trimester.