Evaluation of the Macula, Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer and Choroid Thickness in Women Using Oral Contraceptive Pills

Abstract
Background: Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCP) have some risks and side effects with regard to several organs, one of which is the eye. Estrogen & progesterone receptors have been shown to be present in various eye structures, such as the choroid, retina, conjunctiva, cornea, Meibomian glands, and lens.
Aim of Study: The purpose of this study is to assess the macula, Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer (RNFL), and choroid thickness, in addition to evaluation of macular Ganglion Cell Complex (GCC) by using spectral-domain OCT system (3D OCT-2000 FA; Topcon Crop., Tokyo, Japan) in 20 women using Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCP) for more than one year and to compare them with 20 healthy reproductive age women volunteers.
Patients and Methods: This is cross sectional study in-cluded 20 women using oral contraceptive pills in comparison to 20 normal females between April 2018 till July 2018 at Giza memorial Institute of Ophthalmic Research. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is used to evaluate the posterior ocular segments, and measurements have been taken in the follicular phase (day 3) of the cycle in all women.
Results: The mean age of the OCP group was 31.7±3.76 years and the mean age of the control group was 31.3±5.031 years. Both groups are homogenous in terms of age (p=0.7773). Most of the macular layer thickness and the foveal center are significantly thinner in OCP group. The macular volume is thinner in OCP study group. Retinal nerve fiber layers are thicker in OCP study group a part from Superior RNFL which is thinner in OCP study group, while temporal RNFL zone is with no significant changes. Choroid thickness values, is thicker in OCP study group. Ganglion cell complex is with no significant difference.
Conclusion: We found that women who had received combined oral contraceptive pills more than one year have changes in posterior ocular segment.