Oral contraceptives and eye changes.

Abstract

The association between oral contraceptives (OC) and opthalmological changes was investigated. 134 women beginning sequential OC therapy with .08 mg mestranol and 2 mg norethindrone were studied. Dioptric values decreased in about as many eyes as it increased. 66 eyes in 75 women reexamined at 6 months showed a decrease in intraocular pressure and 54 eyes showed an increase. The intraocular pressure in 1 glaucoma patient dropped 23 mm of Hg in 1 eye and 10 mm of Hg in the other. 29 of 74 patients showed a steepened corneal curvature for both keratometric readings in both eyes at 6 months. 18 of 28 subjects had a steepened corneal curvature at 12 months. 1 patient developed intense uveitis and central retinal vein thrombosis. It is possible that OCs may cause decreased ocular pressure.