An association between hypothyroidism and primary open-angle glaucoma

Ophthalmology. 1993 Oct;100(10):1580-4. doi: 10.1016/s0161-6420(93)31441-7.

Abstract

Purpose: To test the hypothesis that there is an association between hypothyroidism and primary open-angle glaucoma.

Methods: The study was conducted in a case-control fashion. Sixty-four patients with primary open-angle glaucoma were evaluated for hypothyroidism by history and by undergoing a thyroid-stimulating hormone immunoradiometric assay. Sixty-four control subjects from the general eye clinic were evaluated in the same manner. Patients found to have elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone immunoradiometric assay were evaluated by an endocrinologist for hypothyroidism.

Results: Of the primary open-angle glaucoma group, 23.4% had hypothyroidism. A diagnosis was made previously in 12.5% patients, and 10.9% were newly diagnosed. Of the control subjects, 4.7% had hypothyroidism. A diagnosis had been made previously in 1.6% of the control subjects, and 3.1% were newly diagnosed. The difference between the two groups was found to be statistically significant.

Conclusion: A statistically significant association between hypothyroidism and primary open-angle glaucoma is demonstrated. There is a large group (10.9%) of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma with undiagnosed hypothyroidism.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Female
  • Glaucoma, Open-Angle / complications*
  • Glaucoma, Open-Angle / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Hypothyroidism / complications*
  • Hypothyroidism / diagnosis
  • Immunoradiometric Assay
  • Male
  • Thyroid Function Tests