A Case Report on the Thyroid and Eye Connection: A Deep Dive into Evaluation and Treatment Strategies
Thyroid-Associated Orbitopathy (TAO), also known as Graves’ ophthalmopathy or Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), is an autoimmune condition often linked to hyperthyroidism, particularly Graves’ disease. It causes inflammation and swelling of the eye muscles and surrounding tissues, leading to symptoms such...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
JCDR Research and Publications Private Limited
2025-06-01
|
| Series: | Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://jcdr.net/articles/PDF/21125/76431_CE[Ra1]_F(IS)_PF1(Rf_SS)_PFA(IS)_PB(Rf_IS)_PN(IS).pdf |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Summary: | Thyroid-Associated Orbitopathy (TAO), also known as Graves’ ophthalmopathy or Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), is an autoimmune condition often linked to hyperthyroidism, particularly Graves’ disease. It causes inflammation and swelling of the eye muscles and surrounding tissues, leading to symptoms such as proptosis, diplopia, and discomfort. The condition is six times more prevalent in females as compared to males. Among individuals diagnosed with TAO, about 90% have Graves’ hyperthyroidism, while a smaller percentage may have primary hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, or normal thyroid function. These patterns emphasise the importance of recognising thyroid dysfunction in orbitopathy management which includes treating the underlying thyroid dysfunction, using corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, and applying artificial tears for symptomatic relief. Severe cases may require orbital decompression surgery, strabismus correction, or eyelid surgery. Smoking cessation and selenium supplementation are recommended for improved outcomes in mild-to-moderate cases. A case involving a 42-year-old man is presented here with a history of hyperthyroidism who demonstrated signs of proptosis, diplopia, and upper eyelid retraction in both eyes. Clinical evaluations confirmed inflammation in the orbital tissues, which was substantiated by imaging studies, culminating in a diagnosis of TAO. The patient received intravenous corticosteroids for 12 weeks, reporting significant symptom relief afterward. This case underscores the effectiveness of tailored treatment strategies that combine medical and supportive interventions for managing severe active TED. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2249-782X 0973-709X |