Researchers from the University of Alabama analysed data from 12,376 participants in the US National Health Interview Survey.
This showed that glaucoma was reported by 6.5 per cent of people with thyroid problems but only 4.4 per cent of those without a thyroid problem, a statistically significant difference.
Previous studies examining the potential link between thyroid dysfunction and glaucoma have had mixed results.
Research should continue to evaluate what potential mechanisms underlie this relationship and to investigate whether the treatment of thyroid problems reduces subsequent glaucoma risk, the researchers say.
British Journal Ophthalmology Online First.
