Elevated intraocular pressure and dysthyroid orbitopathy

Abstract

The evaluation of ocular hypertension in patients with dysthyroid orbitopathy is complex. The etiology of ocular hypertension may be acute orbital congestion (which raises the orbital venous pressure) or a fibrosed rectus muscle which tethers the globe. The authors have found that the vast majority of patients with dysthyroid orbitopathy do not require treatment for elevated intraocular pressure without compromising optic nerve function. If, however, there is clear evidence of primary open angle glaucoma they institute conventional glaucoma treatment. The authors present illustrative case reports and a discussion of their approach to this group of patients.

Key Words:

• dysthyroid orbitopathy
• Graves' orbitopathy
• Graves' disease
• intraocular pressure
• glaucoma