Evaluation of Ocular Surface in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract

Background: This study was planned to inspect the status of ocular surface in women with PCOS and to compare them with those of healthy women to form a basis for routine eye examination in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Aim: To evaluate the ocular surface in women with PCOS.

Methods: 50 subjects passing the selection criteria were included in this analytical cross-sectional study (25 subjects having PCOS in the test group and 25 healthy age matched females in the control group) and underwent a comprehensive eye examination according to the pre-set case recording form and were made to fill the OSDI questionnaire. A meticulous slit lamp examination was performed to detect any abnormality in the ocular surface, lid margins or anterior segment. TBUT and Schirmer’s II tests of both the eyes were performed to evaluate the quality and quantity of tear film.

Results: Findings of slit lamp evaluation revealed that 16% subjects in the PCOS group and 8% of the subjects in the control group had some or the other ocular condition (p=0.384). Mean TBUT value for right eyes was 8.88±2.02 sec in the PCOS group and 9.44±1.78 sec in the control group (P=0.449) and for left eyes was 8.76± 2.06 sec in the PCOS group and 9.68±0.08 sec in the control group (P=0.087). Mean Schirmer’s II values for the right eyes was 16.64±3.12 mm in the PCOS group and 17.08±1.86 mm in the control group (p=0.984) and for the left eyes was 16.92±2.73 mm in the PCOS group and 16.76±1.76 mm in the control group (P=0.505). The mean scores of OSDI questionnaire were significantly higher in the PCOS group (26.15±13.54) than in the control group (16.95±9.95) (P=0.005).

Conclusion: This study showed that condition of ocular surface and quality of tear film in PCOS patients was worse than those in normal controls and routine cross referrals for ocular examination can be beneficial for women with PCOS in early diagnosis and treatment of any associated ocular condition.

Note:
Funding Information: None to declare.

Declaration of Interests: None to declare.

Ethics Approval Statement: Approval was taken from the Ethical Committee of Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University Medical College, Pune. All the procedures were carried out in consonance with the principles mentioned in the Declaration of Helsinki. Written informed consent from every subject.

Keywords: Polycystic ovary syndrome, ocular surface, dry eyes, anterior segment