Case-control study, 2007
Do dry eye symptoms change during the menstrual cycle?
Dry eye symptoms and signs get significantly worse during the follicular phase (around ovulation when estrogen is highest), both in women with and without dry eye disease. This suggests estrogen fluctuations affect tear production and eye surface health.
What they did
Case-control study tracking 29 women (14 with dry eye symptoms, 15 without) across two complete menstrual cycles. Researchers measured tear production, tear stability, dryness, and inflammation at menstruation, during the follicular phase, and during the luteal phase.
What they found
Dry eye symptoms, tear production, tear stability, surface dryness, and signs of inflammation all varied significantly across the menstrual cycle. These changes were especially linked to the estrogen peak in the follicular phase, particularly in women who already had dry eye symptoms.
What it means for you
Estrogen affects tear production and eye surface health. Women with dry eye should be aware that symptoms may worsen at specific times in their cycle. This is a small study in one clinic, so results need confirmation in larger groups.
29
Women tracked
14
With dry eye symptoms
2
Consecutive cycles followed
About the study
- Original title
- Ocular surface changes over the menstrual cycle in women with and without dry eye
- Authors
- Versura P, Fresina M, Campos EC
- Journal
- Gynecological endocrinology : the official journal of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology
- Year
- 2007
- Study design
- Case-control study
- What was tested
- Observational study (no treatment tested)
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1080/09513590701350390