Publication:

Effects of menopause on corneal topography and dry eye

Background The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of estrogen and progesterone on central corneal thickness, corneal curvature, and the development of dry eye in postmenopausal women.

Methods This is a case-control study including 54 premenopausal and 54 postmenopausal women. The two groups were compared in terms of follicle stimulating hormone, estradiol, progesterone, and horizontal and vertical curvatures, astigmatism, central corneal thickness, Schirmer I test scores, and dry eye scores of both eyes.

Results In the postmenopausal women, central corneal thickness was significantly thinner in both eyes (p=0.017) and the Schirmer test scores were significantly lower both for the right (p=0.001) and the left eye (p=0.003). Estradiol levels were positively correlated with central corneal thickness (p=0.003-0.006) and Schirmer test scores (p=0.004-0.002) whereas progesterone levels showed a positive correlation only with Schirmer test scores (p=0.036-0.044). Although a significant positive correlation was found between estradiol levels and dry eye scores (p=0,009), no significant correlation was found between progesterone levels and dry eye scores (p=0,118).

Conclusions Age-related hormonal abnormalities lead to central corneal thinning, increased dry eye symptoms, and decreased tear flow, particularly in the postmenopausal term. Decreased estrogen levels are associated with central corneal thickness and dry-eye symptoms, decreased estrogen and progesterone levels correlates well with diminished tear production but progesterone levels does not effect dry-eye symptoms.