Effect of Hydration on Central Cornea Thickness and Intraocular Pressure in Young Adults in Egor Local Government, Benin City

Background Hydration status has been suggested to influence ocular parameters such as central corneal thickness (CCT) and intraocular pressure (IOP), which are critical in diagnosing and managing various eye conditions, including glaucoma. This study aims to evaluate the effect of systemic hydration on CCT and IOP in young adults, providing insight into how fluid intake may temporarily alter these measurements and impact clinical decision-making in routine eye care. Methods A total of 100 young adults, aged 18 to 40 years, from Egor Local Government Area in Benin City participated in a cross-ectional study to investigate the effect of hydration on central corneal thickness (CCT) and intraocular pressure (IOP) over time. Baseline measurements of CCT and IOP were taken, followed by repeated measurements at 10, 20, and 30 minutes after standardized water intake. Central corneal thickness was measured using pachymetry, while intraocular pressure was assessed via applanation tonometry. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate significant variations in CCT and IOP across the time intervals. Results A significant increase in IOP was observed at 10 minutes post-hydration (mean: 19.79 mmHg vs. baseline: 16.80 mmHg, p < 0.001), followed by a gradual decrease at 20 minutes (mean: 17.88 mmHg, p < 0.001) and 30 minutes (mean: 13.29 mmHg, p < 0.001). 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). Correlation analysis indicated a strong association between hydration and transient IOP changes (p < 0.05), whereas hydration had no significant effect on CCT (p > 0.05). Conclusion Hydration influences short-term IOP variations, possibly due to aqueous humor dynamics and systemic fluid shifts, but does not significantly alter CCT. These findings emphasize the need to account for hydration status when assessing IOP in clinical settings, particularly in glaucoma screening.