Endocrinol. 2014 Nov;223(2):R9-18. doi: 10.1530/JOE-14-0349. Epub 2014 Aug 20.

Oestrogen, ocular function and low-level vision: a review.

Hutchinson CV1, Walker JA2, Davidson C2.

• 1College of MedicineBiological Sciences and Psychology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 9HN, UKHarvard Medical SchoolCenter for Human Genetic Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USADivision of Biomedical SciencesSt George's Medical School, University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK ch190@le.ac.uk.
• 2College of MedicineBiological Sciences and Psychology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 9HN, UKHarvard Medical SchoolCenter for Human Genetic Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USADivision of Biomedical SciencesSt George's Medical School, University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK.

Abstract

Over the past 10 years, a literature has emerged concerning the sex steroid hormone oestrogen and its role in human vision.

Herein, we review evidence that oestrogen (oestradiol) levels may significantly affect ocular function and low-level vision, particularly in older females. In doing so, we have examined a number of vision-related disorders including dry eye, cataract, increased intraocular pressure, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy.

In each case, we have found oestrogen, or lack thereof, to have a role.

We have also included discussion of how oestrogen-related pharmacological treatments for menopause and breast cancer can impact the pathology of the eye and a number of psychophysical aspects of vision.

Finally, we have reviewed oestrogen's pharmacology and suggest potential mechanisms underlying its beneficial effects, with particular emphasis on anti-apoptotic and vascular effects.

© 2014 Society for Endocrinology.

KEYWORDS:

eye; menopause; oestrogen; vision

PMID:

25143633