Clinical features of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy in a tertiary care teaching hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy is a complex orbital inflammatory disease, which can be sight threatening, debilitating and disfiguring. Thyroid eye disease is more severe in patients with thyroid dysfunction than in those with euthyroid status. Material and Methods: Study Design: This is a prospective and observational study conducted at Department of Ophthalmology. The patients included in the study their demographic data was recorded along with the serum levels of T3, T4, TSH at the time of diagnosis and examination. All the patients detailed ocular examination was carried out with the help of torch light, and slit lamp for anterior segment evaluation, direct ophthalmoscopy for posterior segment evaluation, indirect ophthalmoscopy whenever necessary. Proptosis was measured with the help of Hurtles exophthalmometer and graded as mild-moderate (less than 3 mm) and severe (more than 3 mm). Result: A total of 70 patients were examined. Of the 70 cases, male preponderance was noted.The age group 41-60 years had the highest incidence of thyroid orbitopathy, the patients were arbitrarily divided into four groups and least one less than 20 years of age group. Among 70 patients, 13 (18.5%) were hyperthyroid, 54 (77.1%) were hypothyroid, and 6 (8.5%) patients were euthyroid. Most of the patients came with complaint itching of (30.0%). The second most common symptom was foreign body sensation (24.2%). In hyperthyroid lid, retraction was more common (84.6%). In hypothyroid lid, edema was more common (16.6%). Frequency of dry eye syndrome in patients with TD was present; 29 (26.4%) patients had dry eye disease. Among 70 patients, proptosis was present in 3 patients had proptosis. Most of the patients were myopic. Conclusion: The present study examined the thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Our results would be helpful in early diagnosis and proper management of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy.