Publication:

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

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.