Evaluation of Anterior Segment Parameters and Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness According to Pregnancy Trimester

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the effects of pregnancy on anterior segment parameters and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness . Methods: The study designed prospectively conducted among 122 singleton pregnant women and 49 non-pregnant women. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured via the Goldman applanation tonometry. Central corneal thickness (CCT), axial lenght (AxL) and anterior chamber depth (ACD) measurement were performed with Echoscan US 500. For investigating the thickness of RNFL in detail, the optical coherence tomography was used. One Way ANOVA test was used to make a comparison between normal distribution groups. Results: There was no statistically significant difference regarding age. The IOP were 16.0 mmHg in the 1st trimester, 14.6 mmHg in the 2nd trimester, 13.6 mmHg in the 3rd trimester and 15.56 mmHg in the non-pregnant. Statistically, the findings of the 2nd and the 3rd trimester were significantly different from that of the 1st trimester (p = 0.033, p = 0.001, respectively). CCT averages were 554 μm, 564 μm and 552 μm, respectively, according to the trimester, while it was 542 μm in non-pregnant women. The difference between CCT averages between pregnancies in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters and non-pregnant women was statistically significant (p = 0.022, p = 0.041, respectively). The comparison of average thickness of four RNFL showed no difference between the pregnant and non-pregnant. Conclusion: During gestation, there was an increase in CCT with a decrease in IOP. We also determined that the ACD, AxL, and RNFL thickness measurements do not change with pregnancy.