The effects of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) on the human eye

HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) is the administration of low estrogen preparation to post-menopausal women. This therapy is considered to be effective in protecting various human tissues from aging processes, which are also related to the decrease in endogenous estrogen level. Estrogen receptors were found in many human tissues and organs, including the eye. Therefore HRT may also have a beneficial effect on the eye and its adnexa. This review presents the ever growing data accumulated over the past years concerning the beneficial effects of HRT on various eye pathologies. It was found that HRT may relieve dry eye symptoms in post-menopausal women, may decrease the intraocular pressure and may delay cataract formation in treated women. In the retina, HRT may play a role in decreasing the incidence of Aging Macular Degeneration (AMD) in post-menopausal women.