Patients with Thyroid disease (hyperactive more
commonly than underactive) frequently develop eye
findings consistent with bulging eyes, or a “thyroid
stare”. The eye muscles may also be affected causing
them not to move effectively resulting in double
vision. If the muscles become too congested, or the
eye bulges too much, pressure could be placed on the
optic nerve putting the patient at risk for
blindness.
Much of the discomfort associated with thyroid
orbitopathy is usually related to exposure of the
cornea which may be treated with various forms of
lubrication. When there is active inflammation with
more significant symptoms the treatment may involve
oral or intra orbital (injected behind the eye by
the doctor) steroids. When the eye is bulging and
pressure is placed on the optic nerve Dr. Schwarcz
can perform an orbital decompression which involves
surgically removing a small portion of the bone
behind the eye and some of the fat stored behind
the eye. Poor eye alignment causing double vision
could be corrected by surgically adjusting the
position of the eye muscles as they come in contact
with the eyeball. The eyelids themselves could be
retracted (upper or lower), causing a stare which
Dr. Schwarcz could correct surgically to allow
better closure of the eyelids and an overall
improved cosmetic appearance. Dr. Schwarcz has
specialty training in this problem and has performed
many surgeries addressing these very problems.
Surgery correcting the problems with thyroid
orbitopathy could relieve many of the symptoms
improving function, comfort and the final cosmetic
outcome.
