Evaluation of ocular biometric changes and disease activity in patients with acromegaly

Aim: Acromegaly is a chronic systemic disorder due to the excessive secretion of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), having wellknown repercussions on many organ systems.Its consequences on the eyes and ocular structures have been less investigated.Thus, this study aims to assess ocular biometric changes of patients with acromegaly and evaluate the association of these changes with disease activity markers.Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study of 35 patients with acromegaly along with 25 age and sex-matched controls.Thorough ophthalmologic evaluation was performed, including measurements of CCT, IOP, CH, CRF, retinal thickness (OCT), and SE.Also, biochemical parameters, along with disease activity (GH and IGF-1 levels), were analyzed.Results: Patients with acromegaly reported higher IOP, CCT, and retinal thickness values than controls which were significantly retarded in CH and CRF.Increased prevalence of visual field defects and lower SE values were also noted in the acromegaly group.These results imply that chronic exposure to elevated levels of GH and IGF-1 may influence ocular structures, both anterior and posterior.Discussion: The research shows that there are important differences in ocular biometric measurements in acromegaly patients that may indicate active phases of the disease.Implementing regular ophthalmologic evaluation as part of the comprehensive treatment approach can aid in identifying complications in patients, thereby optimizing their health outcomes.