Experimental and human studies have demonstrated that androgen levels are essential for the normal lacrimal gland function and for structural organisation, and that prolactin and oestrogens play important roles in providing an adequate hormonal environment for optimal tear production . In fact, it was demonstrated that systemic replacement treatment with combined esterified oestrogen and methyltestosterone may be efficacious in treating dry eye syndrome of various aetiologies . Moreover, receptors for androgens, oestrogens, progesterone and prolactin have been identified in several ocular tissues, including the main lacrimal gland and MGs , leading to the hypothesis that tear steroids may have a key role in the physiology of these glands.