Investigating a Link Between Visual Function and Menstruation

Abstract

"Throughout the course of a normal menstrual cycle, a woman’s hormone levels vary greatly and these changes cause the body to react in a multitude of ways. However, there is little previous research remarking on the link between visual function and the menstrual hormones. The objective of this study was to determine how visual function is impacted at different stages in the menstrual cycle. Specifically, tests of high and low contrast visual acuity, lag of accommodation, color vision, and critical flicker fusion frequency were recorded in order to examine changes in visual function over a normal menstrual cycle. This study recruited all subjects from the SUNY College of Optometry as well as the areas surrounding the school between the ages of 18-30 years old. 12 female subjects not currently pregnant or on birth control medication as well as 3 male control subjects will participate. Subjects performed the required clinical measurements 5 days a week for 5 weeks (25 total days) to encompass the entire menstrual cycle. In addition, female subjects also reported the day of their last menstrual cycle and any other perceived changes in visual function throughout the month. No significant difference was found between the female and male groups or within the female group throughout the month for any parameter tested. Further parameters should be measured in the future in order to gain a clear image of how menstruation impacts the whole ocular system."