Abstract:Sex hormones play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis and progression of numerous ophthalmic diseases. Steroid hormones—including estrogen, progesterone, and androgen—exert significant regulatory effects on ocular tissues such as the lacrimal gland, cornea, retina, and conjunctiva. Growing evidence suggests that sex hormones are closely associated with the onset and progression of dry eye disease, keratoconus, uveitis, primary open angle glaucoma, and retinopathy of prematurity. Moreover, clear gender-related differences in disease prevalence have been observed, while hormonal fluctuations during key life stages—such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause—further influence susceptibility to these conditions. This review summarizes current understanding of the mechanisms by which sex hormones affect ocular disorders and highlights the therapeutic potential of hormone-based interventions, including hormone replacement therapy. A deeper insight into the intricate interplay between sex hormones and ocular pathology may open new avenues for the prevention and management of hormone-sensitive eye diseases.
