Ocular anterior segment changes in pregnancy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the changes occurring in the cornea, anterior segment anatomy, and intraocular pressure (IOP) in pregnant women.

SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel.

DESIGN: Prospective single-center comparative study.

METHODS: The Ocular Response Analyzer dynamic bidirectional applanation device and the Pentacam HR Scheimpflug imaging system were used to obtain data on the anterior eye segments of healthy pregnant and nonpregnant women.

RESULTS: Sixty pregnant and 60 nonpregnant women were enrolled. The Goldmann-correlated IOP and corneal-compensated IOP were significantly lower in the pregnant group (mean 10.96 mm Hg versus 12.97 mm Hg, P<.001; and 10.97 mm Hg versus 13.16 mm Hg, P<.001, respectively). The corneal front steep keratometry value was statistically significantly higher in the pregnant group (44.81 diopters [D] versus 44.1 D, P=.039). No significant difference was found in corneal hysteresis, the corneal resistance factor, corneal posterior curvature, central corneal thickness and volume, anterior chamber depth and volume, or iridocorneal angle.

CONCLUSIONS: Pregnancy was associated with greater corneal curvature and lower IOP. Further studies should be performed to learn whether these alterations result from changes in corneal biomechanical properties during pregnancy.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.