Effectiveness of Hormone Therapy for Treating Dry Eye Syndrome in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Trial
Narongchai Piwkumsribonruang MD*, Woraruk Somboonporn MD*, Patanaree Luanratanakorn MD**, Srinaree Kaewrudee MD*, Piangjit Tharnprisan BSc (Nursing)***, Sugree Soontrapa MD*
Affiliation : * Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Srinagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand ** Department of Ophthalmology,Srinagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand *** Nursing Division, Srinagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Background : The efficacy of hormone therapy (HT) on dry eye syndrome remains debatable.
Objective : To study the efficacy of HT on dry eye syndrome.
Material and Method: A randomized controlled, double blind, parallel group, community-based study in 42 post-menopausal
patients was conducted. The patients had dry eye syndrome and were not taking any medications. They were assigned to one
of two groups. Group A comprised 21 patients given transdermal 17β-estradiol (50mg/day) and medroxy progesterone
acetate (2.5 mg/day) continuously for three months and group B comprised 21 patients given both transdermal and oral
placebo. Participants in the study were included for final analysis. The improvement of dry eye symptoms were measured by
visual analog scale, tear secretion, intraocular pressure, corneal thickness, and tear breakup time determined before
treatment and at 6 and 12 weeks of treatment.
Results : At 12 weeks, the number of patients who reported improvement of dry eye symptoms was greater in the HT group
than that in the placebo group. However, the difference was not statistically significant (RR 0.25, 95% CI 0.04-2.80 and 0.60,
95% CI 0.33-2.03 in right and left eye, respectively). For other parameters, there was no significant difference between the two
groups.
Conclusion : According to the present study, there is no strong evidence to support the use of HT for treating dry eye
syndrome. The limited number of participants included in the present study may have contributed to the insignificant effects.
Keywords : Hormone therapy, Menopause, Dry eye syndrome
