Tear function tests and conjunctival impression cytology before and after hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women.

PURPOSE To investigate the effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on postmenopausal tear function and the conjunctival epithelium. METHODS Schirmer I-Jones test, tear film break-up time (BUT), and impression cytology findings were analyzed in 34 eyes of 17 women who were at least two years postmenopausal and not taking HRT: This series of tests was repeated after three months on HRT. RESULTS The patients' average age was 53.82 +/- 3.6 years, and the mean time postmenopause was 35.29 +/- 11.59 months. There was no significant difference in the Schirmer I-Jones test results before and after three months of HRT (p > 0.05). However, the BUT (p < 0.05) and impression cytology (p < 0.05) findings were significantly affected by HRT. CONCLUSIONS HRT may alleviate postmenopausal dry eye symptoms by increasing goblet cell density.