Retinal Changes Linked to PCOS - Takeaways - MDSpire

Retinal Changes Linked to PCOS

Meta-analysis of OCT and OCT angiography studies found thicker retinal nerve fiber layers and slightly thinner central macula in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

  • By

  • Julie Greenbaum

  • March 16, 2026

  • 4 min

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  • 1

    Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) exhibit thicker retinal nerve fiber layers compared to healthy controls.

  • 2

    A systematic review and meta-analysis included 15 studies with 1,370 women, revealing significant retinal structural differences in PCOS.

  • 3

    Central macular thickness was found to be slightly thinner in PCOS patients, with a statistically significant decrease of about 3 µm.

  • 4

    Pooled estimates indicated thicker choroidal measurements in PCOS patients, but evidence certainty for this finding was rated very low.

  • 5

    Retinal microvascular density showed no consistent differences between PCOS patients and controls, despite structural changes being observed.

Original Source(s)

Retinal Changes Linked to PCOS

  • by Julie Greenbaum

  • March 16, 2026

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