AIM: To evaluate the clinical effects, corneal surface shape and corneal thickness variation after treated by Danzhi Xiaoyao Capsule combined with hypromellose 2910,dextran 70 and glycerol eye drops for dry eye in menopausal patients.

METHODS: Eighty menopausal patients(160 eyes)diagnosed as dry eye were randomly divided into groups A and B(40 patients each). Group A was treated with hypromellose 2910,dextran 70 and glycerol eye drops only and group B was treated with Danzhi Xiaoyao Capsule and eye drops. Before and 1mo after treatment, the clinical effects were evaluated by symptom scores, fluorescein staining(FL), tear film breakup time(BUT)and Schirmer Ⅰ test. While the corneal surface regularity index(SRI), surface asymmetry index(SAI)and central corneal thickness(CCT)were observed.

RESULTS: At 1mo after treatment, the symptoms scores and FL scores of the 2 groups decreased significantly(P<0.05); BUT and SⅠt were significantly increased(P<0.05). SRI and SAI gradually increased with dry eye exacerbations, after treatment the two parameters significantly reduced than those before treatment. SRI of group B improved significantly more than group A. CCT gradually got thinning with the dry eye condition worsened, which also significantly increased after treatment(P<0.05); but there was no difference between 2 groups before and after treatment(P>0.05).

CONCLUSION: Combination therapy of Danzhi Xiaoyao Capsule and hypromellose 2910,dextran 70 and glycerol eye drops for menopausal patients with dry eye is more effective than single eye drops, and can improve the symptoms and signs.