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An association between hypothyroidism and primary open-angle glaucoma
K D Smith1, B P Arthurs, N Saheb
1Department of Ophthalmology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
Ophthalmology
|October 1, 1993
Summary
Hypothyroidism is significantly associated with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). A notable percentage of POAG patients have undiagnosed hypothyroidism, highlighting the need for screening.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Endocrinology
- Public Health
Background:
- Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide.
- Hypothyroidism, a condition of insufficient thyroid hormone production, affects a significant portion of the population.
- The potential relationship between POAG and hypothyroidism requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between hypothyroidism and primary open-angle glaucoma.
- To determine the prevalence of hypothyroidism in patients with POAG compared to a control group.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study design was employed.
- Sixty-four patients diagnosed with POAG and 64 control subjects from an eye clinic were assessed.
- Hypothyroidism was evaluated through patient history and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) immunoradiometric assay, with endocrinologist consultation for elevated TSH levels.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant higher prevalence of hypothyroidism was observed in the POAG group (23.4%) compared to the control group (4.7%).
- Among POAG patients, 10.9% were newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism.
- In the control group, 3.1% were newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism.
Conclusions:
- A significant association exists between hypothyroidism and primary open-angle glaucoma.
- A substantial proportion of patients with POAG have undiagnosed hypothyroidism, suggesting a need for routine screening.