Hypothyroidism and primary open-angle glaucoma

Objective: To test if there is an association between hypothyroidism and pr imary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and the utility of routine study of thyroi d function in these patients. Methods: The study was conducted in a case-co ntrol fashion. Seventy-five consecutive patients with a previous diagnosis of POAG and 75 control patients were prospectively evaluated for hypothyroi dism. The levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone and free thyroxin were meas ured. Results: Hypothyroidism was revealed in only 2 patients with previous diagnosis of POAG (2.67%) and 3 patients of the control group (4%). Conclu sions: As we have not been able to demonstrate the previously reported rela tionship between hypothyroid ism and POAG, we cannot recommend the systemat ic screening for hypothyroidism in patients with POAG. Copyright (C) 2000 S . Karger AG, Basel.