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 6 th 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 6 th 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 6 th week postpartum respectively (p = 0.4800). Conclusions:The thickness of the choroid was lower in women in 36 WG in comparison to 6 th week after birth. Changes in the thickness of the choroid are particularly noticeable in women after caesarean section.

Evaluation of Choroidal Thickness during Pregnancy and Post-partum: A Longitudinal Study

“…They reported signi cant decrease in the thickness 3 months after delivery. In contrast Taradaj et al, which assessed choroidal thickness at 36 weeks GA and at 6th week after delivery, reported greater choroidal thickness at 6th week postpartum compared to 36 weeks GA [42]. Additionally, they evaluated choroidal thickness changes depending on mode of delivery and reported more noticeable changes in the cesarean section group compared to normal labour.…”

Evaluation of Choroidal Thickness during Pregnancy and Postpartum

“…34 They reported significant decrease in the thickness 3 months after delivery. In contrast Taradaj et al ., which assessed choroidal thickness at 36 weeks GA and at 6 th week after delivery, reported greater choroidal thickness at 6 th week postpartum compared to 36 weeks GA. 42 In addition, they evaluated choroidal thickness changes depending on the mode of delivery and reported more noticeable changes in the cesarean section group compared to normal labor. Therefore, mode of delivery is presumed to affect the choroidal thickness postpartum.…”