The Functional State of Meibomian Glands and Tear Production in Pregnant Women

Abstract

Pregnant women are objects of special medical attention due to the fact that the new life — the life of her child — depends on the health and quality of life of the future mother. Pregnancy is a physiological load. It makes temporary changes in the functional state of all organs and systems, including the organ of vision. This study was aimed at identifying risk factors for the occurrence of disturbances in the tear-producing system — dysfunction of the Meibomian glands and/or dry eye syndrome (SSH), as well as to develop recommendations for compensating of disturbance. The study showed that physiological pregnancy does not affect to the condition of the ocular surface in case of absence of dry eye syndrome manifestations and Meibomian gland dysfunction before pregnancy. However, there is a predisposition for the development of the symptom complex of dry eye syndrome — a reliable decrease Schirmer test indicators of the test of in the group of pregnant women, it requires preventive control, — reduction in the mode of wearing contact lenses, which are a risk factor for the development of dry eye syndrome. It was determined that in vitro fertilization (IVF) affects to the condition of the ocular surface, namely, on the occurrence of dysfunction of Meibomian glands and dry eye syndrome, and is accompanied by corresponding complaints. There is a direct correlation between the duration of gestation, age indicators, the severity of complaints and their relationship to pregnancy. A direct was established, with a noticeable tightness of communication, between taking thyrotrophic drugs and complaints on dryness and discomfort. Therefore, special attention should be given to pregnant patients taking thyrotrophic medications and using contact lenses, since both of these factors provoke the development of the dry eye symptom complex. Patients with IVF pregnancy and accompanied by taking thyrotrophic drugs are recommended to limit the mode of wearing contact lenses, in case of complaints on dryness, discomfort, it is necessary to conduct therapeutic and prophylactic effects in the form of non-conserved tear-replacement therapy and eyelid hygiene. Timely diagnosis and subsequent prevention of Meibomian glands and dry eye syndrome in pregnant women will improve the quality of life of this patients group and prevent the development of complications related to this condition.