A comparative study on ocular manifestations in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and healthy volunteers

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common endocrinological disorder of females in the reproductive age group.It can produce changes in the ocular tissues and thereby affect vision.In this study,we aim to compare intraocular pressure, central corneal thickness, central macular thickness, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, Schirmers test and tear break up time between the eyes of women with and without PCOS. Methods and Material: This study included 60 eye of 30 women with PCOS(Group 1) and 60 eyes of 30 healthy women (Group 2). Intraocular pressures (IOP) were assessed using Goldman applanation tonometry, central corneal thickness (CCT) using pachymeter, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and central macular thickness (CMT) using optical coherence tomography (OCT), Schirmers test using standardized strips and tear break up time (TBUT) were assessed for all women. Results: The Mean Central Corneal Thickness, average RNFL, superior average RNFL and nasal average RNFL thicknesses were higher in patients with PCOS than in healthy women (all p<0.01) respectively. Schirmers test results and Tear Break Up Time values were significantly lower in the PCOS group (both p<0.01). The mean IOP and CMT were similar between the 2 groups. Duration of the disease was weakly positively correlated with CCT and superior RNFL and moderately positively correlated with average RNFL. Conclusions: Women with PCOS had significant increase in central corneal and retinal nerve fiber layer (average, superior, nasal quadrant) thickness and a significant decrease in Schirmer test and TBUT values. It is advisable that all women with PCOS undergo an eye examination for dry eye. Hormonal regulations prior to corneal and refractive surgeries may help improve outcomes.