Publication:

Effects of injectable contraceptives on intraocular pressure among women of child bearing age

Background The presence of female sex hormones has been linked to variation in intraocular pressure. Numerous studies have revealed that these hormones exert neuroprotective effect and a vascular effect on intraocular pressure regulation. This study was to determine the effect of injectable contraceptives on intraocular pressure in women of child bearing age.

Methods It was a cross-sectional study, carried out at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital involving 85 healthy Nigerian women of child bearing age (20-50 years). The women were divided into two groups 20-35 years (Mean age was 29.66±3.43) and 36-50 years (Mean age 40.66±4.41). A brief case history was conducted to gain information on their personal data, oculo-visual history and general health. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured at baseline and two months after injectable contraceptive.

Results There was no statistical significant difference in the IOP reading at baseline and after injectable contraceptives among women in group 20-35 (p=0.819), whereas women in group 36-50 years showed a Statistical significant difference in their IOP at baseline and after injectable contraceptives (p=0.049).

Conclusions Injectable contraceptives have significant effect on IOP of healthy women of childbearing age. Further studies involving a larger sample should be conducted over a long duration in order to achieve a better generalization of the findings on this subject matter.