Study of Tear Ferning Differences in Women Aged 20 to 65 With Dry Eye Syndrome Before and After Menopause, Including Effects of Hormone Replacement Therapy

What this Trial Is About

This research investigates the differences in tear ferning patterns between women before and after menopause, including those using hormone replacement therapy HRT. The study focuses on women with dry eye syndrome to better understand how menopause and HRT may affect tear structure and related eye health. The trial is interventional and sponsored by Chung Shan Medical University. Participants are divided into two groups pre-menopausal women with dry eye syndrome and post-menopausal women with dry eye syndrome. The study collects clinical information along with tear and blood samples. Measurements include tear volume, tear osmolarity, intraocular pressure, and tear break-up time. Hormone levels related to menopause are assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ELISA. During the study, participants undergo several tests, including Schirmers test, tear film breakup time, ocular surface evaluation, and tear ferning analysis. Blood samples are collected for hormone analysis. The study also measures intraocular pressure and uses questionnaires to assess ocular surface disease symptoms. Participation involves multiple assessments lasting from minutes to hours, with no masking or randomization involved.

Difference of Tear Ferning Between Women with and Without Menopausal.