Improvement of positive dysphotopsia with multifocal intraocular lenses by hormone replacement therapy

Introduction: The case of a patient with positive dysphotopsia (PD) affected by hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) insertion is reported. Patient and Clinical Findings: A 66-year-old woman underwent bilateral cataract surgery and multifocal IOL implantation. Postoperatively, the uncorrected distance and near visual acuity improved bilaterally. The patient experienced mild PD symptoms in the left eye. She had been using an estradiol patch for menopausal disorders. 6 months postoperatively, the use of an estradiol patch was discontinued because of dermatitis and she noticed a marked worsening of her PD. Diagnosis, Intervention, and Outcomes: With the patient's cooperation, full-field electroretinography (ERG) and contrast sensitivity tests were performed before and after estradiol discontinuation. After the discontinuation, the amplitude of both rod and cone ERGs decreased, contrast sensitivity decreased, and PD deteriorated. There were no changes in anterior-segment condition and retinal shape. Conclusions: PD symptoms worsened after the discontinuation of estrogen hormone therapy. ERG amplitude and contrast sensitivity decreased when HRT was discontinued, suggesting that retinal function in the presence of estrogen receptors may be related to the development of PD.