Hypothyroidism and glaucoma. A study of 100 hypothyroid patients

Am J Ophthalmol. 2001 Jan;131(1):126-8. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9394(00)00724-8.

Abstract

Purpose: To determine whether glaucoma is associated with hypothyroidism, as has previously been suggested.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study and a noncomparative interventional case series. One hundred consecutive patients with newly diagnosed hypothyroidism were referred for complete ophthalmologic examination, including automated perimetry and examination of the optic disks, to identify the presence of glaucoma. After correction of the hypothyroidism, reexamination was performed.

Results: No patient had glaucoma and no correlation was found between intraocular pressure and either thyroid stimulating hormone or free tri-iodothyronine. No statistically significant difference was found between intraocular pressure levels before and after treatment of the hypothyroidism.

Conclusion: This study does not demonstrate an association between hypothyroidism and glaucoma.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Glaucoma / blood
  • Glaucoma / complications*
  • Humans
  • Hypothyroidism / blood
  • Hypothyroidism / complications*
  • Intraocular Pressure
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Optic Disk / pathology
  • Thyrotropin / blood
  • Triiodothyronine / blood
  • Visual Field Tests

Substances

  • Triiodothyronine
  • Thyrotropin