Thyroid-related Ophthalmopathy

Certain eye disorders and deformities occur in some diseases of the thyroid gland, which plays a significant role in the regulation of metabolism. This is more common in cases of over-functioning of the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). Findings include protrusion of the eyeballs (exophthalmia, proptosis), an eyelid distance that is too wide, strabismus, double vision and reduced vision. Called "thyroid-associated orbitopathy" or "Graves’ orbitopathy", this disease can be very mild or severe enough to result in loss of vision. Treatment is determined based on the stage and severity of disease and whether it is active or not.