ABSTRACT
The study investigates the impact of hydration on central corneal thickness (CCT) and intraocular pressure (IOP) in young adults, given their critical roles in ocular health assessment, particularly in glaucoma diagnosis and management. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Egor Local Government, Benin City, involving 100 participants aged 18–40 years. Participants underwent baseline and post-hydration assessments of CCT and IOP at intervals of 10, 20, and 30 minutes. Standardized water intake protocols were followed, with measurements taken using pachymetry and applanation tonometry. Results: The study revealed a significant increase in IOP at 10 minutes post-hydration (mean: 19.79 mmHg vs. baseline: 16.80 mmHg, p < 0.001), followed by a gradual decline at 20 minutes (mean: 17.88 mmHg, p < 0.001) and 30 minutes (mean: 13.29 mmHg, p < 0.001). In contrast, CCT remained relatively stable across intervals, with minor fluctuations from a baseline mean of 551.75 µm to 552.32 µm at 30 minutes post-hydration (p = 0.478), indicating no statistically significant changes. Correlation analysis confirmed a strong association between hydration and short-term IOP variations (p < 0.05), while no significant relationship was observed between hydration and CCT (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Hydration status influences IOP dynamics, likely due to temporary changes in aqueous humor production and systemic fluid balance. However, CCT remains largely unaffected due to the corneal endothelial pump mechanism maintaining hydration homeostasis. It highlights the importance of considering hydration status in clinical IOP assessments to improve diagnostic accuracy, particularly in glaucoma screening.
Keywords: Hydration, intraocular pressure, central corneal thickness, glaucoma, ocular health.
