A retrospective study: impact of various phases of menstrual cycle on corneal pachymetry

Aim: To evaluate the effect of the various phases of menstrual cycle on corneal pachymetry.Materials and Methods: 100 female participants were selected retrospectively, who underwent a throughscreening and ophthalmic evaluation. Corneal pachymetry was measured using an ultrasound pachymeter.Readings of both the eyes were taken on day 1-3, day 13-15 and day 26-28 of the menstrual cycle. Anintergroup comparison was carried out and statistical significance was found.Results: It was found that the corneal thickness was at its thickest i.e. 547.51 31.824 on day 13-15 whichcoincides with ovulation and thinnest i.e. 548.25 29.948on day 1-3 of the menstrual cycle (p Conclusion: All in all, we conclude that hormonal changes do affect the ocular structures in a profoundmanner. In view of the cornea, they have a role in disturbing the pump mechanism of corneal endothelium,especially when oestrogen levels are at their highest. This eventually leads to a physiological increase incorneal thickness due to corneal edema and having an indirect effect on visual acuity and corneal sensitivityand intraocular measurement.Keywords: Cornea, Pachymetry, Oestrogen, Menstrual cycle.