Thyroid link to glaucoma

Those suffering from thyroid disorders may also be at increased risk of glaucoma, according to study results published online ahead of print by the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

Jennifer Moren Cross of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, US and colleagues conducted a review of data gathered from 12,376 participants in the 2002 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) to determine if there exists a relationship between self-reported thyroid problems and self-reported glaucoma.

The incidences of glaucoma and thyroid disorders among all respondents were 4.6% and 11.9%, respectively. Of all respondents who reported a history of thyroid problems, 6.5% also reported suffering from glaucoma, whereas only 4.4% of patients without thyroid problems had glaucoma.

Thus the researchers concluded that thyroid disorders may increase the likelihood of glaucoma, and that patients suffering from thyroid conditions should report this to their ophthalmologist.