REFRACTOMETRIC FINDINGS IN TRANSGENDER INDIVIDUALS ATTENDED AT THE UNICAMP TRANSGENDER OUTPATIENT CLINIC

• Grant number: 25/13851-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2025
• End date: September 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Medical Clinics
• Principal Investigator: Mônica de Cássia Alves
• Grantee: Felipe Correa de Araujo
• Host Institution: Hospital de Clínicas (HC). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This research aims to investigate the refractometric findings in transgender patients treated at the specific outpatient clinic of UNICAMP. Given the scarcity of studies focused on the ocular health of this population and their underrepresentation in the scientific literature, this investigation is both necessary and urgent. In the field of ophthalmology, data on the effects of hormone therapy in transgender individuals are limited, highlighting the need for new approaches that contribute to the promotion of comprehensive and equitable health, in line with the principles of Brazil's Unified Health System (SUS) and universal healthcare.This is a longitudinal, prospective study with a quantitative and qualitative approach, to be conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology at the UNICAMP Hospital de Clínicas.The project aims to evaluate refractometric and fundoscopic data of transgender patients. By collecting this data, it will be possible to classify the most common refractive errors and identify retinal or optic nerve changes observed during fundoscopy that may be associated with gender-affirming hormone therapy.Transgender individuals aged 16 years or older who are receiving outpatient care at the institution will be included upon informed consent. Participants will answer structured questionnaires about access barriers and undergo a full ophthalmologic examination (visual acuity, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, tonometry, fundoscopy, and refraction), along with the collection of clinical and laboratory data from their electronic medical records. Ophthalmologic assessments will be performed before and during hormone therapy, with follow-up every six months over the course of one year. Statistical analysis will include descriptive statistics of the variables and regression models to assess associations between clinical, laboratory, and ophthalmologic findings, as well as to characterize the factors that hinder access to such care.This study is expected to contribute to the expansion of knowledge about the impact of hormone therapy on ocular health and to the improvement of healthcare policies for the comprehensive care of the transgender population.