RESUMO
BACKGROUND: It has been demonstrated that HRT which was administered directly after the onset of the menopause had vascularprotective and neuroprotective effects. It has therefore hypothesised that eye function could benefit from such treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Visual acuity, intraocular pressure, patient's gynaecological and ophthalmological history, especially HRT were obtained from women visiting the gynaecological and ophthalmological ambulance. Measuring the visus and the intraocular pressure of women with HRT from the gynaecological ambulance was easily undertaken in the neighbouring ophthalmological department. Unfortunately, due to absence of compliance a control group without HRT could not be recruited. Of 514 women, 402 without having had hysterectomy and adnexectomy could be included in the study from which data were received about the menopausal age. RESULTS: In the group of women with cataract HRT over 5 years was administered less often (two times) than in the group of women with glaucoma. Women mainly aged over 70 suffering from age-related conditions such as glaucoma and cataract almost never had HRT. Thus in the following only women aged up to 60 have been of interest. 7 of 10 women being in the menopause for over 10 years with a visus higher than 0.7 received HRT. Only 1 of 10 women had a visual acuity less than 0.4. There was also a correlation between receiving HRT and intraocular pressure. In the group aged up to 60 without taking HRT 19 % had an intraocular pressure above 19. In women with HRT over 5 years this occurred in only 7 %. CONCLUSIONS: Initiating HRT in healthy women shortly after the onset of the menopause may have vascularprotective and neuroprotective effects for the eye. This is supported by the fact that HRT administered for more than 5 years to healthy women aged up to 60 years was associated with better visual acuity and normal intraocular pressure. This is further highlighted by ultrasound scan studies in the literature. Thus an ophthalmoprophylaxis could be expected, which has to be confirmed in prospective studies using suitable control groups.
