Hypothyroidism and glaucoma. A study of 100 hypothyroid patients

PURPOSE: To determine whether glaucoma is associated with hypothyroidism, a s has previously been suggested. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study and a noncomparative interventiona l case series, One hundred consecutive patients with newly diagnosed hypoth yroidism were referred for complete ophthalmologic examination, including a utomated perimetry and examination of the optic disks, to identify the pres ence of glaucoma. After correction of the hypothyroidism, reexamination was performed. RESULTS: No patient had glaucoma and no correlation was found between intra ocular pressure and either thyroid stimulating hormone or free tri-iodothyr onine. No statistically significant difference was found between intraocula r pressure levels before and after treatment of the hypothyroidism. CONCLUSION: This study does not demonstrate an association between hypothyr oidism and glaucoma. (Am J Ophthalmol 2001;131:126-128. (C) 2001 by Elsevie r Science Inc. All rights reserved.).