Abstract:Background: Dry eye disease (DED) is a prevalent ocular condition characterized by disruption in the tear film, leading to symptoms such as ocular discomfort, visual disturbances, and potentially damaging the ocular surface. It affects individuals across various demographics, with post-menopausal females being particularly susceptible due to hormonal changes associated with menopause.
Aim: This study is aimed to evaluate the spectrum of Dry Eye Disease (DED) and effect on central corneal thickness in post-menopausal females.
Methods: A prospective observational study conducted from February 2023 to March 2024 at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Subharti Medical College, Meerut. Ninety post-menopausal female patients were divided into three groups. Group A (females aged 45 to 50 years), Group B (females aged >50 to 55 years), Group C (females aged > 55 years). Schirmer’s test, Tear film breakup time (TBUT), Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score, central corneal thickness(CCT) and levels of serum FSH, LH and Estrogen was be recorded at day-1.
Results: The patients are taken on an OPD basis and findings on day 1 were noted and observations were recorded. Schirmer’s scores are found to decrease in patients as their age increased i.e. in group C the value is less than in group B and group A. TBUT score also decreased with age but they are not statistically significant. In the case of the OSDI score, it shows an increase in its value indicating increasing severity of dry eye with age, 45-50 year age groups show a mean of 29.97 OSDI score, 50-55 year age groups show a mean of 53.63 OSDI score, and >55 year age groups show a mean of 65.2 OSDI score. The central corneal thickness (CCT) tends to decrease with increasing age, the correlation between increasing age and a decrease in central corneal thickness has been positive, in both eyes but there was no significant correlation seen between CCT and reduction in hormones with increasing age after menopause.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the study highlights the significant impact of menopause on dry eye syndrome and provides initial insights into the potential correlation with central corneal thickness. The findings underscore the importance of personalized approaches to managing ocular health in menopausal women, integrating hormonal considerations with clinical assessment and treatment strategies. procedure in reducing the intraocular pressure.
