[Endoscopic orbital decompression for thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy].

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic results of endoscopic orbital decompression for thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy. METHOD: The records of nine patients (twelve orbits) received endoscopic orbital decompression for thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy were analyzed for changes in visual acuity, intraocular pressure, proptosis, corneal ulceration and movement. The follow-ups ranged from two months to thirty-six months. RESULT: Twelve orbits (100%) had improvement in visual acuity (range 0.1-0.7). Ten orbits (83.3%) decreased in intraocular pressure (range 0.2-21.4 mm Hg). Eight orbits (66.70%) decreased in proptosis (one-five mm). The orbit with corneal ulcer was healed after decompression. Diplopia was cured in one of four patients. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic orbital decompression is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy.