Ocular perfusion pressure and intraocular pressure in pregnant women with severe preeclampsia

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate whether severe preeclampsia (SPE) affects intraocular pressure (IOP) and ocular perfusion pressure (OPP). Material and methods: This prospective and comparative study included 64 pregnant females, allocated into 2 groups as Group 1 (31 pregnant women with SPE) and Group 2 (33 normotensive pregnant women). IOP, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, OPP of all the subjects were measured after 20 weeks of gestation and prior to labor and medical therapy. Results: The mean IOP values in Group 1 were not significantly different from those of Group 2 (p = 0.528). The mean OPP values in Group 1 were significantly higher than those of Group 2 (p < 0.001). There was no significant correlation between IOP and OPP levels. No significant differences were determined between the groups in respect of age, gestational age body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.269, p < 0.219 and p < 0.556 respectively). The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure values were statistically significantly higher in Group 1 than in Group 2 (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001). Conclusions: Although high IOP was expected in SPE patients, it was found to be constant. This could have been due to an increase in aqueous humor outflow because of changes occurring in angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors in SPE.