Effect of oral contraceptive pill on central corneal thickness and intraocular pressure in young females

Chetna R. Patel; Vijita K. Shah; Neha D. Patel; Vaibhav M. Panchal; Chirag S. Adwani

doi:10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20261615

Authors

Chetna R. Patel Department of Pharmacology, Government Medical College, Surat, Gujarat, India
Vijita K. Shah Department of Pharmacology, Dr. Kiran C. Patel Medical College and Research Institute, Bharuch, Gujarat, India
Neha D. Patel Department of Pharmacology, Government Medical College, Surat, Gujarat, India
Vaibhav M. Panchal Department of Pharmacology, Government Medical College, Surat, Gujarat, India
Chirag S. Adwani Department of Pharmacology, Government Medical College, Surat, Gujarat, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20261615

Keywords:

Central corneal thickness, Intraocular pressure, Oral contraceptive pills, Young women

Abstract

Background: The usage of oral contraceptive pills (OCP) consisting of estrogen and progesterone can interfere with central corneal thickness (CCT) results due to hormonal fluctuations. This study assessed the impact of oral contraceptive pill usage on central corneal thickness estimations in healthy young women.

Methods: This prospective study comprised forty women utilizing OCP for contraception (group 1) and forty control subjects utilizing OCP (group 2). All participants revealed no history of systemic or ocular medical conditions. CCT measurements were acquired using an ultrasonic pachymeter, and intraocular pressure (IOP) readings were evaluated with a noncontact tonometer during a patient's hospital visit. Demographic information and body mass index (BMI) scores of participants were documented.

Results: The mean ages were 28.5±6.08 for OCP+ patients (group 1) and 28.3±5.85 for OCP- patients (group 2) (P=0.88). The mean central corneal thickness (CCT) in group 1 was substantially higher than in group 2, with measurements of 575±39.4 μm and 518±28.8 μm, respectively (p=0.001). The average intraocular pressure (IOP) was 15.6±1.52 mmHg in group 1 and 15.1±1.14 mmHg in group 2 (p=0.16). The mean BMI values were 28.5±6.08 kg/m² for group 1 and 28.3±5.85 kg/m² for group 2 (p=0.91).

Conclusions: Our data suggested that CCT values were significantly elevated in patients utilizing OCP. Ophthalmologists must acknowledge the potential for increased CCT in these individuals.

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