SUMMARY
Purpose:
To investigate the association between primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and hypothyroidism.
Methods:
In the first study, 15 patients with hypothyroidism were analyzed to verify the presence of POAG. In the second study, a TSH assay was employed as a screening test to determine the incidence of hypothyroidism in 65 patients with POAG.
Results:
None of the 15 patients with hypothyroidism had clinical findings compatible with POAG, and the mean intraocular pressure measurements were 15.8 ± 2.3 mmHg (range 11 to 21 mmHg). Only one (1.5%) of the 65 POAG patients showed abnormal TSH levels, and was diagnosed as having subclinical hypothyroidsm.
Conclusion:
These findings do not support the existence of a positive correlation between hypothyroidism and POAG.
Key words:
Glaucoma; Hypothyroidism; Thyroid; Intraocular Pressure