Uveitis and the menstrual cycle.

PURPOSE: To establish whether there is a variation in the incidence of onset of acute anterior uveitis (AAU) in women during the phases of the menstrual cycle. METHODS: Prospective open study in women attending the Acute Referral Centre with a first or recurrent attack of AAU. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in the incidence of AAU during the late stages of the menstrual cycle. CONCLUSIONS: The onset of AAU is partially dependent on the levels of either oestrogen or progesterone, or both. The withdrawal of the proven anti-inflammatory effects of these hormones may provoke the onset of uveitis.