Hypothyroidism and open-angle glaucoma: an accidental or an essential coexistence?

We aimed to test the hypothesis that there is an association between hypothyroidism and primary open-angle glaucoma. A total of 60 patients with acquired hypothyroidism were evaluated by a senior ophthalmologist for evidence of glaucoma. Evaluations were carried out by history, tonometry, funduscopy, gonioscopy and visual field perimetry. Thyroid function tests, and dermatological and neurological examinations were performed. Patients were matched according to age and gender. There were 10 males and 50 females (age range 34-72 years). We found 3 of the 60 patients had signs of open-angle glaucoma, which indicated a possible relationship between hypothyroidism and open-angle glaucoma. It is worth expanding the study to a larger number of patients.