Central Corneal Thickness (CCT) Measurement in Each Trimester of Pregnancy: A Screening Parameter for a Healthy Eye During Pregnancy : A Prospective Study!

Abstract

AIM: - To detect central corneal thickness (CCT) in each trimester of pregnancy. Purpose: To evaluate difference in measurement of central corneal thickness due to corneal changes in each trimester of pregnancy. METHOD: - 100 healthy pregnant women within age group ranging from 21 to 35 years were included in the study. Central corneal thickness (Ultrasound Pachymetry), Intra ocular pressure (Goldmann-Applanation Tonometer) was done. Changes in central corneal thickness (CCT) were calculated at 3 time periods: First trimester, Second trimester, Third trimester. Informed consent was taken from all patients. Patients had no systemic or ocular co-morbidities.All of the patients underwent comprehensive ophthalmologic examinations, including Refraction, Intraocular pressure (IOP), Anterior segment and Fundus examination. RESULTS: - The mean age was 25 years in the study group. The mean CCT in the second trimester of pregnancy was measured to be higher than first trimester by 1.67% &3.13% by third trimester in right eye & increase of 1.91% in second trimester & 3.03% in third trimester left eye.The results are statistically significant confirmed by ANOVA. CONCLUSION: - Changes during pregnancy causes corneal edema, which is observed in pregnant women resulting from increased water retention during pregnancy. Changes in corneal curvature, central, corneal thickness and steeping may also occur during pregnancy particularly during the second and third trimester. Most of the changes are reversible and resolved in the postpartum period or after cessation of breastfeeding. Awareness of the changes during pregnancy and routine screening during antenatal period should be improvised.