Changes in Visual Parameters during Paramenstruum in a Rural Population of Eastern India: A Pilot Study

Aim This study aims to analyze a set of symptoms of visual difficulties due to accommodative changes before and during the period of menstruation.  Methods This cross-sectional study includes 60 females of the rural population having an accommodative facility of 14 cycles/min with ±2.00D flippers. All subjects have undergone a comprehensive ocular examination which also includes investigation of different parameters of accommodation and convergence before and during menstruation. This Statistical analysis was done with the help of paired T test and the result was shown as significant if P< 0.05.  Results Pre-menstruation no accommodative changes were found. During menstruation, all the subjects were found with a significant change in NPA (OD, OS), AA (OD, OS), NRA, PRA, PFV (Break-Near) and AF (OU) during menstruation. 66.7% of subjects were found with symptoms of headache, backache, difficulty in reading and blurring of vision during menstruation. After prolong near work 16.7% of subjects were found with the blurring of near vision 16.7% were found with the blurring of distance vision.  Conclusion Accommodative insufficiency along with its associated symptoms may induce during the menstruation cycle. The clinician should consider accommodative changes during eye examination of an adult female.