Effect Of Hormonal Changes In Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (Pcos) On Dry Eye Disease

The aim of the present study was to understand the effects of hormonal imbalance in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) on dry eye signs and symptoms and the effect of hormonal treatment on these dry eye parameters.

RCSM medical college & CPR hospital, Kolhapur, India; K.B. Bhabha hospital, Mumbai, India

This retrospective study included 97 eyes of 51 patients. 16 patients (n=31 eyes) had PCOS, 25 patients (n= 46 eyes) had polycystic ovaries (PCO) and 10 patients (n=20 eyes) were healthy controls. Data regarding ocular surface disease index (OSDI), tear break-up time (BUT), schirmer's test, corneal staining, meibomian gland expression grade were incorporated into the study. Blood test results of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone, Estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and platelet to lymphocyte ratio were also included in the analysis. Single factor ANOVA test was used to compare the three groups.

PCOS group (31.67 ± 25.25) had higher (p < 0.05) OSDI compared to PCO (12.56 ± 23.45) and control group (10.68 ± 13.56). The BUT was faster in the PCOS group (8.55 ± 6.32) compared to PCO (14.10 ± 6.15) and control group (15.32 ± 4.32). Total corneal staining was higher in the PCOS compared to PCO and control group (p<0.05). There was no difference in Schirmer’s between the three groups (p>0.05). The PCOS group had higher LH, testosterone and estradiol levels. Inverse correlation was found between testosterone levels and BUT (p<0.05). All patients with PCOS were treated with systemic anti-androgen therapy. There was an improvement in OSDI (Δ= - 10.34 ± 6.28) and BUT (Δ= + 2.25s ± 4.25)  after 6 months of hormonal therapy in PCOS patients.

Dry eye symptoms in patients with PCOS could be related to their hormonal imbalance. Correction of the hormonal levels could result in symptom relief in these patients.