[Risk factors of corneal damage in patients with Thyroid Eye Disease]

Risk factors of corneal involvement and association of keratopathy with HBD-2 gene expression were evaluated in patients with Thyroid Eye Disease (TED). 46 patients (92 eyes) were included into the study. Investigation included routine ophthalmological examination, palpebral measurements, Schirmer test I, vital staining, corneal sensitivity evaluation. The level of HBD-2 gene expression was evaluated in conjunctival cells using real time PCR. The following factors were found to be associated with corneal involvement in TED patients: activity of orbital inflammation, proptosis, lagophthalmos, palpebral fissure height, lower lid retraction, grade of conjunctival vital staining and low corneal sensitivity. Decrease of HBD-2 gene expression may result in corneal damage in TED patients.