OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to search the effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on tear function changes in postmenopausal women. METHODS: Following initial ophtalmic evaluation and tear sample collection, the subjects were given daily 0.625 mg conjugated estrogen, and either continuous combined or cyclic 5 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate was added. Eye examination included visual acuity, slit-lamp examination, fundus examination, tonometry, Schirmer's test, and break up time (BUT) evaluation. Six months later, control examination was done and repeat tear samples were obtained. Tear immune globulin A (IgA) and lysozyme levels were measured by gel electrophoresis. The pictures of the bands were evaluated by digital image analysis with Scion Image program. RESULTS: Conjunctival vascular congestion, laxity and corneal desquamation did not change before and after HRT (P>0.05). A significant improvement was noted in meibomian gland inflammation (P=0.034). We have not observed any significant difference in burning, foreign body sensation, and tearing (P>0.05). In addition, no significant difference was noted in BUT (P=0.370) and Schirmer's test values (P=0.271). Though both lysozyme and IgA levels were elevated following the therapy, only IgA levels increased significantly (P=0.04). CONCLUSION: HRT decreased meibomian gland inflammation and increased tear lysozyme and IgA levels in postmenopausal women.
OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to search the effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on tear function changes in postmenopausal women. METHODS: Following initial ophtalmic evaluation and tear sample collection, the subjects were given daily 0.625 mg conjugated estrogen, and either continuous combined or cyclic 5 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate was added. Eye examination included visual acuity, slit-lamp examination, fundus examination, tonometry, Schirmer's test, and break up time (BUT) evaluation. Six months later, control examination was done and repeat tear samples were obtained. Tear immune globulin A (IgA) and lysozyme levels were measured by gel electrophoresis. The pictures of the bands were evaluated by digital image analysis with Scion Image program. RESULTS:Conjunctival vascular congestion, laxity and corneal desquamation did not change before and after HRT (P>0.05). A significant improvement was noted in meibomian gland inflammation (P=0.034). We have not observed any significant difference in burning, foreign body sensation, and tearing (P>0.05). In addition, no significant difference was noted in BUT (P=0.370) and Schirmer's test values (P=0.271). Though both lysozyme and IgA levels were elevated following the therapy, only IgA levels increased significantly (P=0.04). CONCLUSION: HRT decreased meibomian gland inflammation and increased tear lysozyme and IgA levels in postmenopausal women.
Authors: Raheleh Rahimi Darabad; Tomo Suzuki; Stephen M Richards; Frederick A Jakobiec; Fouad R Zakka; Stefano Barabino; David A Sullivan Journal: Exp Eye Res Date: 2014-07-30 Impact factor: 3.467