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 through screening 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. An intergroup 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 which coincides 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 profound manner. 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 in corneal thickness due to corneal edema and having an indirect effect on visual acuity and corneal sensitivity and intraocular measurement. Keywords: Cornea, Pachymetry, Oestrogen, Menstrual cycle.