AIM: To determine the effect of different types of hormonal contraceptives on lacrimal gland function and tear film.

METHODS: Prospective randomized study was carried out in Faculty of medicine, Beni Suef University and Fayoum University. Sixty patients were divided into 6 groups(each group contain 10 patients): 1)combined oral pills; 2)combined monthly injection; 3)Depo-Provera injection; 4)progesterone only pills; 5)sub dermal Implanon; 6)control. All cases underwent full gynecological and ophthalmological examinations including Schirmer test and tear film break-up time(BUT)and followed up for at least 3mo.

RESULTS: The mean age of all the patients was 31.03±6.97y. There was no statistical significance between the groups in relation to age, parity and gravidity. The combined pills showed the highest percentage for dry eye followed by Mesocept then Depo-Provera then progesterone only pills then Implanon and no dry eyes in the control group.

CONCLUSION: Contraceptive methods containing both estrogen and progesterone are more likely to have dry eye than those who used progesterone only contraceptive methods.