Tear Film Function Modulation among Pregnant Women in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

3,5Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City. 1,2,4Department of Optometry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City.
1Shuaibu A.O, 2Uwagboe P.N.,3Fayoriju O.D., 4Amagbamwan W.O., 5Agoreyo F.O.
Corresponding Author: ayishetu.garuba@uniben.edu; Tel: 08055644890, 07033318727, 08035628857
Recieved Date: June 2022; Accepted Date: June 2022; Published Date: June, 2022
ABSTRACT

Background/Objective: Pregnancy is a physiologic process which is accompanied by changes in hormones. Hormonal changes have been found to affect the tear film function. The purpose of this study is to evaluate tear film function in pregnant women. Materials and Methods: This observational cross-sectional study involved 110 pregnant women (30 first trimester, 40 second trimester and 40 third trimester) aged 18-41years who were free from systemic diseases and ocular conditions that could affect tear film function. Schirmer’s test was used to evaluate tear production, tear break up time test (TBUT), to evaluate tear stability and ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire, to assess the symptoms of the participants. Results: The mean value for the Schirmer’s test value, TBUT, and OSDI score for the participants in the first trimester were: 25.10±2.55mm, 21.10±2.25secs and 14.97±14.03 respectively, second trimester were: 16.35±9.98mm, 12.33±4.50secs and 15.80±12.96 respectively and third trimester were: 15.63±9.98mm, 11.80±4.85secs and 18.80±12.28 respectively. Gestational age had a significant relationship with tear production and tear stability (p=0.000) in pregnant women. Tear production and tear stability showed negative significant correlation with age (r= -0.519 and r= -0.487 respectively). Photophobia (34.55%) was the most reported symptom on the OSDI questionnaire. Conclusion: Gestational age of pregnancy has a significant relationship with tear film function in pregnant women. It is imperative for pregnant women to schedule routine eye examinations to prevent ocular surface disorders, promoting comfortable vision during pregnancy.

Keywords: Humans, female, pregnancy, tears
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