Corneal changes in estrogen-dependent breast cancer after hormonal treatment

Aromatase inhibitors (AI) therapy is the treatment of choice for estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer (BC). While AIs effectively suppress tumor growth, estrogen deprivation may have negative impacts on the eyes. This work evaluated the anterior segment changes in estrogen-dependent BC after hormonal treatment. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 40 female patients aged ≥ 18 who received treatment for BC. Patients were allocated to two groups: Group A served as the control group and did not receive AIs, while Group B received one of the AIs for BC treatment. Before treatment, there was no significant difference in tear break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer test (ST) score, and hexagonality. However, post-treatment TBUT and ST values were lower in Patients who received treatment. Corneal thickness, CCT, or back and front elevations were comparable before or after treatment. AI therapy in estrogen-dependent BC patients is associated with significant corneal changes, including potential corneal stress evidenced by impaired tear film function and reduced endothelial hexagonality, while corneal thickness and front and back elevation remain stable.