Thyroid disorders in glaucoma link

Thyroid disorders could boost the risk of developing the eye disease glaucoma, according to new research.

The study, published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, found that people with glaucoma were 38% more likely to have had a thyroid disorder at some point in their life, than those without.

The report was based on statistics gathered in a sample of more than 12,000 adults in the USA, taking part in the 2002 National Health Interview Survey.

Participants were asked if they had ever been diagnosed with a disorder of the thyroid gland and/or the eye disease glaucoma.

The proportion of those with glaucoma who said they had had a thyroid problem was 6.5%, compared to 4.4% who had not.

After taking account of risk factors, including gender, race and smoking habits, the association between glaucoma and thyroid problems remained significant.

The thyroid makes hormones essential for the function of every cell in the body. These hormones help regulate growth and the rate of chemical reactions.

Glaucoma is characterised by progressive damage to the optic nerve. If left untreated, it leads to loss of detailed vision, and blindness.

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