Glaucoma Risk Increases in Thyroid Disorders

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Glaucoma Risk Increases in Thyroid Disorders

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In this study, the association between a self-reported history of thyroid

problems and a self-reported history of glaucoma (increased eye pressure) was

evaluated in 12,376 participants from the U.S.-based 2002 National Health

Interview Survey. Those who reported a history of any thyroid problem had a 50%

increased risk of having also had glaucoma (increased eye pressure). The

prevalence of glaucoma was 6.5% in those who did report thyroid problems and

4.4%

in those who did not.

" There are a number of purported mechanisms by which thyroid disorders and

their treatment are believed to affect the development of glaucomatous

damage, " wrote Dr. J.M. Cross, from the University of Alabama at Birmingham,

and col

leagues. " In Graves Disease, [intraocular pressure] may be raised as a result

of contraction of the extraocular muscles against intraorbital adhesions or

orbital congestion due to increased tissue volumes. In the case of

hypothyroidism, excessive mucopolysaccharide accumulation within the trabecular

meshwork acts like a surfactant, sticking together adjacent endothelial

membranes. "

" The results of this study lend support to the hypothesis that thyroid

disorders may increase the risk of glaucoma, " the study authors wrote.

" Research

should continue evaluating potential mechanisms underlying this relationship

and whether the treatment of thyroid problems reduces subsequent glaucoma

risk. "

Limitations of this study include reliance on self-report and lack of data

on the specific type of glaucoma and/or thyroid disorder present.

The take home point is that those with thyroid disorders (common in CFS and

FMS) should do their regular eye exams (every 2 years is reasonable), and

those with glaucoma should be checked for thyroid issues if they have symptoms

of fatigue or feeling " hyper. "

The good news is that: 1. Glaucoma screening is a simple part of a normal

eye exam and checkup. 2. Glaucoma is usually easy to treat both

naturally and by standard medicine.

For more information, see _Glaucoma_

(http://www.endfatigue.com/health_articles_d-e/Eyes-glaucoma.html) .

References

_Article_ (http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/582123) in Br J Ophthalmol.

Published online October 16, 2008 (free registration required)