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.