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Abstract #11449 Published in IGR 6-3
The effect of the menstrual cycle on optic nerve head analysis in healthy women
Akar ME; Taskin O; Yucel I; Akar YActa Ophthalmologica Scandinavica 2004; 82: 741-745
PURPOSE: To determine the effect of the menstrual cycle on optic nerve head topographic analysis in normally menstruating, healthy women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included single eyes selected randomly from each of 52 healthy women with regular menstrual cycles. All subjects underwent a complete ocular examination. Optic nerve head topographic analyses were performed using a confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope, the Heidelberg Retinal Tomograph II (HRT II, software version 1.6). The analyses were repeated three times during the menstrual cycle: in the follicular phase (days 7-10 of the cycle), at ovulation, and in the late luteal phase (days 1-3 before menstrual bleeding). Serum oestradiol, progesterone and luteinizing hormone levels were measured at each menstrual phase. RESULTS: Fourteen subjects were excluded from the study. The mean age of the subjects (n = 38) was 25.6 ± 3.7 years (range 21-34 years). Blood oestradiol levels were significantly lower in the late luteal phase (35.8 pg/ml) (p < 0.0001). The mean disc area of the subjects was 1.94 ± 0.33 mm2. The neuroretinal rim area decreased significantly during the luteal phase (p < 0.001). However, the linear cup : disc ratio, cup : disc area ratio and the cup area were significantly higher during the luteal phase (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: These observations raise the possibility that sex hormone fluctuations which occur during a normal menstrual cycle in healthy women significantly alter neuroretinal rim area and cup variables of the optic nerve head. These findings should be taken into consideration in the clinical follow-up of young women with glaucoma.
Dr. M.E. Akar, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey
Classification:
6.9.1 Laser scanning (Part of: 6 Clinical examination methods > 6.9 Computerized image analysis)
