Evaluation of Dry Eye in Female Androgenic Alopecia Patients

Abstract

Materials and methods: Twenty five left eyes of 25 female androgenetic alopecia patients (Group 1) and 25 left eyes of 25 age matched healthy female volunteers (Group 2) were enrolled in the study. The presence of dry eye was evaluated with the invasive tear film break-up time (T-BUT) & Schirmer 1 test. Results: The mean ages of Group 1 and Group 2 were 49.3 ± 7.6 (range, 39-59) and 50.8± 6.4(range, 39-60) years, respectively (P = 0.4). Mean T-BUT was statistically significantly lower in Group 1 (P = 0.01). Mean Schirmer 1 score was lower , but the differences were not statistically significant (P = 0.2). Conclusion: Female androgenic alopecia and Meibomian gland dysfunction & dry eye have common pathogenesis in the form of alterations in sex hormones. Significant differences were detected in the results of dry eye tests between subjects with female androgenic alopecia and healthy control. Hence female androgenic alopecia patients should be examined for dry eye and should be treated to prevent serious consequences.