Abstract

Hypothyroidism and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) are common disorders affecting various systems of the body, including the endocrine and visual systems. While previous studies have suggested a potential association between hypothyroidism and POAG, the precise nature of this relationship remains unclear. This case-control study aims to investigate the association between hypothyroidism and the risk of developing POAG. Methods: A total of 50 participants were enrolled in this study, comprising 25 individuals with hypothyroidism and 25 age- and sex-matched controls without hypothyroidism. All participants underwent comprehensive ophthalmic examination, including intraocular pressure measurement, optic nerve head assessment, and visual field testing. Clinical data, including thyroid function tests, were collected from medical records. The association between hypothyroidism and POAG was analyzed using appropriate statistical methods, adjusting for potential confounders. Results: Among the 25 participants with hypothyroidism, 8 (32%) were diagnosed with POAG, whereas only 2 (8%) of the control group had POAG. The difference in the prevalence of POAG between the two groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05). After adjusting for age, sex, and other potential confounders, hypothyroidism was found to be independently associated with a significantly higher risk of developing POAG, with an odds ratio of 4.50 (95% confidence interval: 1.32–15.34, p = 0.017). Conclusion: This case-control study provides evidence of a significant association between hypothyroidism and the risk of developing POAG. These findings suggest that individuals with hypothyroidism may have an increased susceptibility to POAG, highlighting the importance of regular ophthalmic screening in this population. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms linking hypothyroidism and POAG and to explore potential therapeutic interventions targeting this association.

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