A study of Intraocular Pressure trends in Pregnancy and in the third trimester hypertensive patients

Abstract

Aim and Background: In this present study to investigate that the study of intraocular pressure and certain other visual parameters like visual acuity, corneal edema and fundus examination during normal pregnancy and pregnancy induced hypertension.  Intra ocular pressure begins to fall with the progress of pregnancy due to the reduction of the episcleral venous pressure and increased uveoscleral outflow facility. Systolic blood pressure begins to fall during 1^st trimester reaches nadir in mid pregnancy and return towards pre gestational levels before term. Diastolic blood pressure decreases more than systolic blood pressure. Reduction in blood pressure is caused by decline in systemic vascular resistance due to vasodilation mediated by gestational hormonal activity, mainly progesterone, estrogen and relaxin. Relaxin relaxes all the ligaments including the corneoscleral ligaments in the presence oestrogen.  

Materials and Methods: This is a Comparative study.  In this study non-pregnant and pregnant subject in all trimester and pregnancy induced hypertension subjects were selected from the Medical Outpatient Department of Stanley Medical College and Antenatal OP and wards of R.S.R.M. hospital Chennai respectively. They were divided in to five groups of fifty each.

Results: Out of 150 subjects 16 showed corneal edema so it is not significant. But in group III out of 50 subjects 13 showed corneal edema, so it highly significant.

Conclusion: In the Present study we conclude that there is definite tendency for intraocular pressure to drop with the progress of pregnancy, with the least value during the 3^rd trimester of pregnancy. So preexisting glaucoma improves during pregnancy.