Ocular biometric characteristics during the menstrual cycle

Abstract

Harun Çakmak,1 Ayten Taspinar,2 Mehmet Ozbagcivan,1 Tolga Kocatürk1 1Department of Ophthalmology, 2Department of Midwifery, School of Health, Adnan Menderes University Medical Faculty, Aydin, Turkey Purpose: To determine the ocular biometric characteristics during the menstrual cycle using the optical low-coherence reflectometry (OLCR) biometry. Methods: Twenty-two healthy women between the ages of 19 and 36 years with regular menstrual cycles were enrolled in this prospective study. Subjects with irregular menstrual cycles, those taking contraceptive pills, those with a history of ocular surgery or trauma, and women unable to cooperate with the ocular biometry device were excluded from this study. A complete ophthalmic examination was performed between 8.30 and 10.30 am for all participants. Also, central corneal thickness, axial length, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, and keratometric measurements were made at the same time using the OLCR device. Measurements were taken at the beginning of the cycle (1–3 days), at ovulation (12–16 days), and at the end of the cycle (26–32 days). Results: The mean age of the participants was 22.86±4.22 (range: 18–36) years. The difference in central corneal thickness, axial length, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, and keratometry values were not statistically significant during the menstrual cycle. Conclusion: The ocular biometric parameters did not significantly vary during the menstrual cycle according to the OLCR biometry. Keywords: ocular biometry, OLCR, menstrual cycle