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THYROID EYE DISEASE (GRAVES' DISEASE) & EYELID RETRACTION

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS

Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland) is a condition in which there is overproduction of thyroid hormone. Abnormal antibodies that attack the thyroid gland cause it to become overactive. Abnormal antibodies may also cause swelling and inflammation of the soft tissues around the eyes and the muscles that move the eyes and eyelids. As a result the eyes may protrude, the lids may open too widely, or the eyes may not move together well causing double vision. Therefore, the eyes appear excessively prominent with a staring expression and infrequent blinking.

Many patients start experiencing eye problems as soon as their thyroid gland becomes overactive. For some, the eye changes may develop before hyperthyroidism is clinically detected, while others may not develop symptoms until months or years later. Both eyes are usually affected, however they may not be affected to the same degree or at the same time.

Some patients may also experience pressure around the eyes, ocular irritation and tearing from excessive exposure of the eyes. Overexposure during the day and difficulty closing the eyes at night can lead to dryness with injury and potential scarring of the cornea (the clear front of the eye). Inflammation of the eye muscles may result in restricted eye movement causing persistent double vision. In some cases these muscles become so swollen that the enlarged muscles can compress the optic nerve resulting in progressive loss of vision.

After several months of progressive changes, the active inflammation subsides. Yet, many patients will be left with some degree of residual protrusion, eyelid retraction, or double vision that may require additional treatment.

Symptoms referable to exposure can be improved by the use of artificial tears (Refresh eye drops) during the day and lubricant ointment (Lacrilube) at bedtime. Exposure-related symptoms can also be aided by the use of a bedroom humidifier during sleeping hours.

When there is active inflammation with more severe symptoms, oral cortisone (steroids) or other anti-inflammatory medications may be needed to reduce the swelling. If muscle swelling around and behind the eye is severe enough, prompt surgery may be necessary to decompress the orbit, thereby protecting the optic nerve from vision loss.

SURGICAL TREATMENT

In non-emergent cases, surgery for thyroid eye disease is elective. We normally wait until the clinical changes (on examination) have been stabilized and the hyperthyroid status (on thyroid-related blood tests) has been normalized for at least six months. This surgery must be considered in a sequential manner because each surgery affects other manifestations of the disease. In the decision making process, if any surgery is not relevant to the patient, then the next procedure in sequence is considered. The surgical sequence is as follows:

  1. Decompression. This may be performed on an emergent basis if vision is threatened. It is performed on an elective basis in cases of abnormal forward protrusion of one or both eyes (exophthalmos). Orbital decompression involves removing part of the bony orbit and fat behind the eye. This is designed to relieve the pressure in the socket that is causing the abnormal forward push behind the eye and/or the excessive pressure on the optic nerve. Surgical decompression is performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis.
  2. Eye muscle surgery. Misalignment of the eyes and double vision may result from thyroid-related inflammatory material depositing in the muscles that control eye movement. This may result in double vision - horizontal, vertical, or a combination of both. This can be improved through eye muscle surgery - repositioning these muscles. Such surgery is best accomplished through the use of adjustable sutures to best quantify the result. Eye muscle surgery is performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis.
  3. Eyelid retraction repair. Eyelid surgery to adjust the position of a retracted upper or lower eyelid can restore function by normalizing eyelid closure and also improve eyelid appearance. This is accomplished through quantified recession of the eyelid retractor muscles. In this regard, Dr. Kohn developed the well accepted and commonly used surgical procedure for this condition - Eyelid Retraction Repair Using Tarsal Rotation Flaps . Eyelid retraction repair is performed under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation on an outpatient basis.
  4. Blepharoplasty. Removal of excessive fat from the eyelids through blepharoplasty (see Blepharoplasty) can significantly improve appearance in Graves' disease patients. Blepharoplasty is performed under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation on an outpatient basis.

AFTER SURGERY

Pain is minimal after surgery and no patch is required. Patients simply use antibiotic ointment at bedtime for approximately 10 days. Ocular lubricants that were used pre-operatively are often continued postoperatively to help maintain corneal protection. Sutures are removed 7 to 10 following surgery in our office

RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS

Minor bruising or swelling may be expected and will likely go away in one to two weeks. Bleeding and infection, which are potential risks with any surgery, are very uncommon.

CONCLUSIONS

While it may not be possible to completely eliminate all of the consequences of thyroid eye disease, surgery to correct these conditions is generally quite successful in satisfactorily restoring function, comfort, and cosmetic appearance.

 

Click on an image to view an enlarged version of these and additional before and after photos.

 

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