Ocular ferning during the menstrual cycle in healthy women.

PURPOSE The aim of the study is to investigate whether tear ferning patterns change during different phases of the menstrual cycle. METHODS The tear ferning test was performed on twelve normal women of childbearing age at three day intervals throughout one complete menstrual cycle. Serum hormone levels (progesterone, estrogen, testosterone) were measured. RESULTS Eight women showed type I ferning, and the other four had type II ferning initially. These patterns did not change during the menstrual cycle. Serum hormone levels were all in the normal range. Since no change in ferning pattern was detected during the menstrual cycle, the ferning test can be done at any time in women. CONCLUSIONS This study showed no effect of different menstrual cycle phases on tear ferning patterns.