Variations in central corneal thickness during the menstrual cycle in women.

PURPOSE: We report changes in the central corneal thickness during various phases of the menstrual cycle. METHODS: We recruited 16 healthy women of reproductive age and measured the central corneal thickness at 3 points in their menstrual cycle, beginning on days 1 to 3 and again at ovulation and at the end of the cycle (days 27-32). Ovulation was determined with a test that determines the peak of luteinizing hormone in the urine. RESULTS: We found that the central cornea was thinnest at the beginning of the cycle (mean = 536 microm). Corneal thickness increased at ovulation (mean = 549 microm) and at the end of the cycle (mean = 559 microm). The difference in corneal thickness was statistically significant at ovulation (P = 0.003) and the end of cycle (P = 0.001) compared with values at the beginning of the cycle. CONCLUSION: The central corneal thickness changes during the menstrual cycle; the cornea is thinnest at the beginning of the cycle and thickest at the end. These changes could be secondary to hormonal influences; estrogen receptors can be found in human corneas, suggesting that estrogen may have a role in corneal physiology.

Type A behavior pattern: is it a risk factor for open-angle chronic glaucoma?

AIM: : To evaluate the presence of type A behavior in patients affected by open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and the possible role of psychophysiological stress as a risk factor for OAG. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty patients, 30 women and 20 men, affected by OAG, underwent ophthalmological examination consisting of complete biomicroscopy, tonometry and daily tonometric curve, examination of the visual field by means of computerized perimeter "Octopus 1-2-3," and its assessment with the Glaucoma Staging System 2, morphologic monitoring of the retinal nerve fiber layer with GDx VCC and psychological assessment (Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale) to evaluate the presence of anxiety and its level; type A/B personality questionnaire (Jenkin Modified Activity Survey; Ercta-B test for the further evaluation of type A personality; STAY test; Brief-cope test; Life event. RESULTS: Sixty-four percent of the subjects, 17 women and 13 men, showed type A behavior, and in these patients both trait and state anxiety were much more evident (P=0.001). In the type A subjects, there was a much more significant visual field involvement (P=0.001); this involvement showed a negative correlation (P=0.024) with the Brief-cope scale. CONCLUSIONS: The personality study is an extremely important part of the diagnostic work-up and treatment of OAG.