THE EFFECTS OF ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES ON CHOROIDAL THICKNESS IN INDIAN POPULATION

Abstract

Background: To evaluate effects on choroidal thickness by oral contraceptives

Methods: In this observational prospective study, 40 eyes of 20 women consuming monophasic OCP (0.15mg Levonorgestrel (LNG)& 0.03mg ethinylestradiol) for 1 year were compared to 40 eyes of of 20 women in control group who did not take OCP. Choroidal thickness was evaluated using SD-OCT. Evaluation was done on day 3 of menstrual cycle in all participants. The BMI of all women were recorded.

Results: Choroidal thickness was significantly thin  in OCP group (p<0.001)

Conclusions: OCP use can cause changes in choroidal thickness over a period of 1 year. Women using OCP over longer period , can have eye problems. OCT needs to be done to follow up. Long term research studies are needed, using OCP preparations of different proportions. It is necessary to determine when CT alterations may be symptomatic or clinically significant and if it is reversible.