Comparison of central corneal thickness and intraocular pressure in third trimester pregnant females with and without gestational diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Background: In pregnancy, like other body changes, changes also occur in eyes. During third trimester of pregnancy, central corneal thickness (CCT) increases and intraocular pressure (IOP) decreases as compared to other trimesters. There were only few studies which publish the data regarding CCT and IOP in gestational diabetes mellitus during third trimester.

Objective: To compare the central corneal thickness and intraocular pressure in third trimester pregnant females with and without gestational diabetes mellitus.

Methodology: A case-control study was done in this research. Total 90 pregnant females having third trimester were included in this study, in which 45 were cases and 45 were controls. Age group of 18-45 is included in this study. HbA1c less than 6% was taken. Complete eye examination was done in all females. CCT was measured by corneal topography method and IOP was measured by air-puff tonometer without using any local anesthesia. Both eyes were included in this study.

Results: Results showed that third trimester pregnant females had major affects on eyes, as central corneal thickness increase and intraocular pressure decrease in third trimester, but gestational diabetes mellitus changed the whole scenerio. Sociodemographic data also played an important role in this context. Independent sample t-test  was applied. Significant difference was present between the values of both study groups. 

Conclusion: It was concluded that pregnancy had affect the values of central corneal thickness and intraocular pressure especially in third trimester. Pregnant females with gestational diabetes mellitus showed tremendous increase in values as compared to non-gestational diabetes mellitus pregnant females.