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Arch Ophthalmol. 2004;122:273-274.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

In this issue of the ARCHIVES, Smith et al¹ report that women with premature ovarian failure (POF) have greater ocular surface signs of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) and higher dry eye–related symptom severity scores than age-matched controls. In POF, normal ovarian function in women ceases before age 40 years. This condition was found to affect 1% of women in a large cohort study.² Women with POF have amenorrhea, reduced circulating levels of androgen and estrogen hormones, and the typical constitutional symptoms of menopause. Women with POF also have impaired immune regulation and are at increased risk for developing autoimmune diseases, including fatal autoimmune adrenal insufficiency.

It is well recognized that hormones regulate the function of the tear-secreting lacrimal and meibomian glands in numerous mammalian species, including humans.³ Furthermore, hormonal deficiencies have been recognized as an important factor in the pathogenesis of dry eye disease. Dry eye was found to be more . . . [Full Text of this Article]

Stephen C. Pflugfelder, MD
Houston, Tex

RELATED ARTICLE

Dry Eye Signs and Symptoms in Women With Premature Ovarian Failure
Janine A. Smith, Susan Vitale, George F. Reed, Shirley A. Grieshaber, Linda A. Goodman, Vien H. Vanderhoof, Karim A. Calis, and Lawrence M. Nelson
Arch Ophthalmol. 2004;122(2):151-156.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT