Hormone replacement therapy and dry eye syndrome

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Endocrinology
• Women's Health

Background:

• Postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is widely used.
• Estrogen's potential negative impact on tear film and dry eye syndrome is under-researched.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between HRT use and the incidence of dry eye syndrome in postmenopausal women.

Main Methods:

• A large cohort study involving 25,665 postmenopausal women.
• Data on HRT use and dry eye syndrome (diagnosed or severe symptoms) were collected over 48 months.

Main Results:

• HRT use was linked to a higher risk of dry eye syndrome.
• Estrogen-only HRT showed an odds ratio of 1.69; estrogen plus progesterone/progestin had an odds ratio of 1.29.
• Each 3-year increase in HRT duration elevated dry eye risk by 15%.

Conclusions:

• Postmenopausal women using HRT face an increased risk of developing dry eye syndrome.
• Physicians should inform patients about this potential HRT complication.