Infiltrative ophthalmopathy

Infiltrative Ophthalmopathy is a medical condition that affects the eyes, often associated with Graves' disease. It is characterized by inflammation and swelling of the eye muscles and tissues, leading to symptoms such as bulging eyes, double vision, and eye discomfort.

Symptoms

Infiltrative ophthalmopathy can present with a variety of symptoms, including:

• Proptosis or bulging eyes
• Diplopia or double vision
• Eye discomfort or pain
• Redness and swelling of the eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurred vision

Causes

The exact cause of infiltrative ophthalmopathy is unknown, but it is often associated with Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland. In Graves' disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, causing it to produce too much thyroid hormone. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including infiltrative ophthalmopathy.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of infiltrative ophthalmopathy typically involves a thorough eye examination, including tests to measure the forward position of the eyes and the size of the eye muscles. Blood tests may also be done to check for the presence of thyroid antibodies, which can indicate Graves' disease.

Treatment

Treatment for infiltrative ophthalmopathy focuses on managing the symptoms and preventing further damage to the eyes. This may include:

• Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
• Radiotherapy to shrink swollen tissues
• Surgery to correct double vision or severe eye bulging

See also

• Graves' disease
• Thyroid eye disease
• Proptosis
• Diplopia

References

Infiltrative ophthalmopathy Resources
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