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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
09:03
Trabecular Meshwork Response to Pressure Elevation in the Living Human Eye
Published on: June 20, 2015
Intraocular pressure changes after treatment for Graves' orbitopathy
H V Danesh-Meyer1, P J Savino, V Deramo
1Neuro-ophthalmology Service, Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, USA.
Ophthalmology
|January 11, 2001
Summary
Orbital decompression and strabismus surgery significantly reduced intraocular pressure (IOP) in Graves' orbitopathy patients. These procedures were especially effective for individuals with high preoperative IOP, offering a potential treatment benefit.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Endocrinology
- Surgical Science
Background:
- Graves' orbitopathy (GO) is an autoimmune condition affecting the eye socket.
- Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) can be a complication of GO, potentially leading to vision loss.
- Surgical and radiation interventions are used to manage GO complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of orbital decompression, strabismus surgery, and orbital radiation on intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with Graves' orbitopathy (GO).
- To identify which interventions are most effective in reducing IOP in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective case review of 172 patients with GO who underwent surgical or radiation treatment between 1994 and 1999.
- Analysis of preoperative and postoperative IOP measurements (in primary position and upgaze), alongside patient demographics and treatment details.
Main Results:
- Orbital decompression led to a significant IOP reduction of 18.9% in primary position and 27.9% in upgaze (P<0.001).
- Strabismus surgery resulted in a significant IOP decrease of 13.3% in primary position and 31.2% in upgaze (P<0.01).
- Orbital radiation did not show a statistically significant reduction in IOP.
Conclusions:
- Orbital decompression and strabismus surgery effectively reduce IOP in GO patients requiring intervention.
- The IOP-lowering effect is more pronounced in patients with higher preoperative IOP levels.
- Orbital radiation is not associated with a significant reduction in IOP for GO patients.
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