Evaluation of autonomic dysfunction with dynamic pupillometry in non-obese young women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome is frequently associated with autonomic nervous system dysfunction, even in the absence of obesity or overt metabolic abnormalities. Alterations in pupillary responses may reflect early autonomic involvement and serve as a potential tool for early diagnosis, risk stratification, and disease monitoring. This study aimed to investigate pupillary reflex parameters using dynamic pupillometry in newly diagnosed non-obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome and to compare the findings with those of healthy controls.

This prospective cross-sectional study included 48 newly diagnosed women with polycystic ovary syndrome and 44 ageand sex-matched healthy controls. Pupillary function parameters were measured using dynamic pupillometry (MonPackOne; Metrovision, France).

The mean age did not differ significantly between the groups (p=0.870). Initial pupil diameter, pupil contraction amplitude, and contraction velocity were significantly lower in the PCOS group than in the control group, whereas pupillary dilation duration was significantly longer (p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.007, and p=0.032, respectively). No significant differences were observed between the groups regarding contraction latency, contraction duration, dilation latency, or dilation velocity (p=0.749, p=0.925, p=0.653, and p=0.310, respectively).

Newly diagnosed non-obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome exhibit significant alterations in pupillary dynamics, suggesting a generalized reduction in both sympathetic and parasympathetic activity. Dynamic pupillometry may represent a practical, noninvasive tool for detecting early autonomic hypoactivity and identifying patients at risk for future metabolic or cardiovascular complications.