To print: Select File and then Print from your browser's menu --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Title: Study Finds Thyroid Disorder a Risk Factor for Developing Glaucoma URL: http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/22EECE.htm Doctor's Guide October 16, 2008
BIRMINGHAM, Ala -- October 16, 2008 -- Thyroid disorder may be a risk factor for developing glaucoma, according to a study posted online in the British Journal of Ophthalmology. The researchers said people diagnosed with glaucoma are 38% more likely to have had a thyroid condition during their lifetime. "These findings suggest that those with a thyroid condition should be sure to see an ophthalmologist and tell them about their condition," said Gerald McGwin, PhD, Department of Epidemiology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama. "Glaucoma can be detected with proper screening and early detection is a key to treatment." For the study, a population-based cross-sectional sample with 12,376 participants from the 2002 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) was used. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to quantify the association between a self-reported diagnosis of glaucoma and a self-reported history of thyroid problems, controlling for demographic characteristics and smoking status. The overall prevalence of glaucoma was 4.6% and 11.9% reported a history of thyroid problems. The prevalence of glaucoma among those who did and did not report thyroid problems was 6.5% and 4.4 (P=.0003). Following adjustment for differences in age, gender, race, and smoking status, the association between glaucoma and thyroid problems remained (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.08-1.76). McGwin and colleagues describe a number of potential mechanisms by which thyroid disorders and their treatment may affect the development of glaucoma by leading to increased pressure within the eyeball. "Understanding potential links between thyroid problems and glaucoma gives us new avenues to pursue in understanding the basic cause or causes of glaucoma," said Dr. McGwin. "In turn, this may help researchers develop more effective treatments, diagnostic methods or preventive measures." SOURCE: University of Alabama at Birmingham --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright © 1999 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of P\S\L content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of P\S\L. P\S\L shall not be liable for any errors, omissions or delays in this content or any other content on its sites, newsletters or other publications, nor for any decisions or actions taken in reliance on such content. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This news story was printed from *Doctor's Guide to the Internet* located at http://www.docguide.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to News Story Page This site is maintained by webmaster@pslgroup.com Please contact us with any comments, problems or bugs. All contents Copyright (c) 1998 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved.