Comparative assessment of corneal biomechanical parameters in lactating versus non-lactating women: implications for refractive surgery candidates

Abstract

Background To assess and compare corneal biomechanical parameters between lactating and non-lactating women. Methods This analytical cross-sectional study included women aged 25-40 years with myopia or myopic astigmatism. The case group comprised women who had been lactating for more than six months. The control group comprised healthy, non-pregnant, non-lactating refractive-surgery candidates in the same age range. Corneal biomechanical properties were measured with the Corvis ST. Results Fifty eyes from fifty lactating women (mean age: 31.28 +/- 4.06 years) and a hundred eyes from one hundred non-lactating women (mean age: 30.68 +/- 4.33 years) were included (P = 0.39). The median duration of breastfeeding was 12 months (range: 7-23 months). Initial analysis revealed significantly lower CCT, Radius, and stiffness parameter (SP-A1) in the lactating group compared to controls (P < 0.05). After adjusting for differences in CCT, no statistically significant differences were observed in any corneal biomechanical parameters (P > 0.05). Conclusions Corneal biomechanical parameters in women who were lactating for over 6 months did not significantly differ from those of non-lactating women; these findings suggest that refractive correction surgery may be considered for such patients, pending further investigation.