DEFINITION:  In some cases in which the thyroid gland is involved, the body attacks the eye as if it is a foreign organ (autoimmunity). In such a case, a disease that harms every tissue from visual muscles to the retina occurs.

Figure 1. Clinical signs of thyroid eye disease; proptosis, upper and lower lid retraction, swelling, both eyes are affected.

CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS: In patients with uncontrolled goitre disease, the eye is at risk since the body attacks the eye.

DIAGNOSIS: Strabismus, protuberance in the eye, dryness, and loss of vision can be observed in the examination. It is checked by hertel exophthalmometer. MRI is an auxiliary investigation.

Figure 2. Clinical signs of thyroid eye disease; proptosis, upper and lower lid retraction, swelling, only one eye is affected.

TREATMENT: An attempt is made to decrease pressure in the eye by downsizing the peripheral tissues in the eye through cortisones and radiotherapy, and by surgery in severe cases.