Thyroid Ophthalmopathy

Abstract

Thyroid ophthalmopathy is a part of the presentation of Graves’ disease in many, but not all, patients and can also occur or worsen after treatment. It has an autoimmune etiology. Clinical findings may include proptosis, diplopia, periorbital edema, conjunctival injection, chemosis, dry and painful eyes, and occasionally loss of vision. In most cases, thyroid eye findings are mild and stabilize after treatment. However, some patients develop severe proptosis, eye muscle problems, and even optic nerve compression, and require aggressive treatment. The cases discussed in this chapter demonstrate some of these problems and an approach to management.