Does pregnancy influence eye parameters? Assessment of choroidal thickness using EDI-OCT before and after labour depending on the way of delivery method

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the choroidal thickness (CT) with use of EDI-OCT in patients before and after delivery depending on the mode of delivery. Material and methods: The study involved 146 eyes of 73 patients aged 20–34 years, after natural labour (66 eyes) and C-section (80 eyes). Main inclusion criteria: Informed consent to participate in the study, age 18–35 years, single pregnancy, spherical refraction error –4.00 to +4.00 D, no eye pathologies, no surgery and ophthalmic procedures-including refractive surgery, childbirth after 36 weeks of pregnancy, BCVA = 1.0. Patients were examined twice: in 36 WG and on 6th week after the birth. All examinations were carried out between 8:00 am and 10:00 am in order to avoid daily cycle fluctuations. CT measurements were made manually by two independent researchers at: subfoveal and 500 μm, 1000 μm, 1500 μm, 3000 μm temporally and nasally. The student's t-test was made. Results: In C-section group CT differences before and after delivery were statistically significant in 7/9 of the analysed areas. Mean subfoveal choroidal thickness was 370.86 μm vs 388.71 μm in 36 WG and in 6th week postpartum respectively (p = 0.0003). In women after natural labour, differences were statistically significant in 3/9 of the analysed areas. Mean subfoveal choroidal thickness was 303.27 μm vs 308,34 μm in 36 WG and in 6th week postpartum respectively (p = 0.4800). Conclusions: The thickness of the choroid was lower in women in 36 WG in comparison to 6th week after birth. Changes in the thickness of the choroid are particularly noticeable in women after caesarean section.