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Corneal topographic changes in premenopausal and postmenopausal women
Erdinc Aydin1, Helin Deniz Demir, Fazli Demirturk
1Department of Ophthalmology, Gaziosmanpasa University Faculty of Medicine, Tokat, Turkey. erdincaydin@yahoo.com
BMC Ophthalmology
|May 16, 2007
Summary
Menopause does not significantly alter corneal curvature, though estrogen levels correlate with minor horizontal curvature changes in postmenopausal women. This study used computerized videokeratography to assess these effects.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Endocrinology
- Women's Health
Background:
- Menopause is a significant physiological transition in women's lives.
- Hormonal changes during menopause may influence various bodily tissues, including the cornea.
- Corneal topography changes in relation to menopause are not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of menopause on corneal curvature.
- To compare corneal topography in premenopausal and postmenopausal women using computerized videokeratography (CVK).
Main Methods:
- A prospective study comparing 36 postmenopausal women with 26 healthy premenopausal controls.
- Hormonal levels (FSH, LH, Estradiol, Progesterone) were assessed to confirm menopausal status.
- Comprehensive ophthalmic examinations and CVK were performed on all participants.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences in mean horizontal or vertical corneal curvature were found between premenopausal and postmenopausal groups.
- Mean keratometric astigmatism was similar between the two groups.
- A significant negative correlation was observed between horizontal corneal curvature and estrogen levels in postmenopausal women.
Conclusions:
- Menopause, as a physiological process, may be associated with subtle corneal topographic alterations.
- Minimal corneal steeping was observed in postmenopausal women compared to premenopausal women.
- Estrogen level fluctuations during menopause appear to be linked to slight modifications in the horizontal corneal curvature.
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