Keratoconus during pregnancy

Changes in hormone levels can promote keratoconus and lead to a strong progression of keratoconus.
This is not only evident during puberty, but also during pregnancy.

Oestrogen concentration during pregnancy

Oestrogen levels increase enormously during pregnancy.
The increase in the hormone ensures that the body is naturally prepared for pregnancy: the tissue becomes softer.
What is an advantage for childbirth can have a detrimental effect on existing keratoconus.
The cornea also becomes softer, which can lead to a temporary or even permanent progression of keratoconus.

Keratoconus and thyroid hormones

The risk of corneal disease is increased in people with thyroid disorders.
This is particularly the case if the thyroid gland is underactive.
The reason for this is that there is said to be a connection between the endocrine system and the condition of the cornea.

During pregnancy, the thyroid gland produces fewer hormones.
Recent studies have shown that this has an influence on the cornea.