Clinical analysis of 106 cases with elevated intraocular pressure in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy.
OBJECTIVE
To summarize the clinical manifestation of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), and to analyze the contributing factors.


METHODS
One hundred and six cases (188 eyes) of ocular hypertension in 339 cases (597 eyes) with TAO were collected from 1994 to 2001 and their clinic manifestations were summarized and analyzed.


RESULTS
It was demonstrated that the incidence of ocular hypertension in TAO was 31.3%, and was more frequently found in the male than in the female. The elevated IOP in TAO was found to be partially related to compression of the eyeball by enlarged extraocular muscles, the elevated intraorbital pressure as result of the proliferation of intraorbital connective tissue and the enlargement as well as swelling of extraocular muscles. It was also related to the severity of TAO other than the course of TAO. The ocular hypertension in most cases can be controlled with reduction of IOP by methylprednisolone or orbital decompression.


CONCLUSIONS
Specific clinical features were found in TAO patients with ocular hypertension. It should be differentiated with primary glaucoma. The IOP in most cases can be controlled by prompt and effective treatment of TAO.
He
Jianfeng
J
Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China.
Wu
Zhongyao
Z
Yan
Jianhua
J
Yang
Huasheng
H
Mao
Yuxiang
Y
Ai
Siming
S
Chen
Zhicong
Z
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000175:diagnosis; D006111:Graves Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D009798:Ocular Hypertension / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology
D008775:Methylprednisolone