Effect of Child Delivery on Intraocular Pressure

Little is known about the changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) during child delivery. During labor there are several stages which are accompanied by many physiological changes and pharmacological interventions that may potentially influence the IOP. Among these are delivery position (lying versus sitting or kneeling), vascular changes and pharmacological effects (anesthetic agents, oxytocin and other drugs). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of child delivery on the intraocular pressure (IOP) in healthy women. This will expend our understanding of the physiology of labor and its effect on the eye and it may serve as basis to determine the management of labor.

Inclusion criteria

• Age ≥ 18 years.
• Pregnant women admitted to the labor room.
• Healthy women that do not take any systemic medications.
• No known ocular condition, except for refraction errors, strabismus or amblyopia.
• Eligible women who are able to sign an informed consent form.

Exclusion criteria

• Family history of glaucoma (first degree relatives).
• Known allergic reaction to local anesthesia (oxybuprocaine hydrochloride).
• Women who are unable to sign an informed consent form.