Effect of Hormone Replacement Therapy in Women on Ocular Refractive Status and Aberrations

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on refractive status, corneal topography, and aberrations of the eye in postmenopausal women. METHODS: Thirty-six healthy postmenopausal women (72 eyes) were included in the study. All patients received HRT that consisted of 0.625 mg/day conjugated estrogen and 5 mg/day medroxyprogesterone acetate in a continuous combined regimen. Schirmer Il test and tear film break-up time (BUT) were performed on all patients at the time of enrollment and 6 months after initiation of HRT. Refractive status, corneal topography, and wavefront aberrations were evaluated with the NIDEK Optical Path Difference-Scan before and 6 months after HRT was initiated. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 50.8+2.6 years (range: 47 to 57 years). The mean duration of menopause was 2.7+0.8 years (range: 1.4 to 3.5 years). The Schirmer Il test and tear film BUT measurements were significantly lower after HRT (P.05). CONCLUSIONS: Hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women does not significantly affect refractive status, corneal topography, and wavefront aberrations of the eye at 6-month follow-up. [J Refract Surg. 2007;23:567-572.]