[Conservative management options for thyroid disease induced diplopia]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Endocrinology
• Neurosurgery

Background:

• Thyroid ophthalmopathy can cause diplopia, significantly impacting patients' quality of life.
• Conservative management options for diplopia are crucial, especially during the active and pre-operative stages of thyroid eye disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore conservative management strategies for diplopia in thyroid ophthalmopathy.
• To assess patient knowledge regarding diplopia treatment and occlusion types.
• To identify patient preferences for managing diplopia.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 25 patients with thyroid ophthalmopathy and diplopia.
• Assessment of patient knowledge on diplopia treatments and occlusion.
• Information provided on various occlusion types (black and semi-translucent).
• Testing of Fresnel prisms and prism spectacles after diplopia stabilization.
• Evaluation of patient preferences at follow-up visits.

Main Results:

• Initially, only 12 patients received specific eye occlusion recommendations, primarily non-translucent types.
• None of the patients were informed about semi-translucent occlusion options.
• Post-intervention, 19 patients preferred semi-translucent occlusion (tape or frosted lens) for daily use.
• Only one patient continued using non-translucent occlusion; five used no occlusion.

Conclusions:

• Semi-translucent occlusion is highly preferred by patients with thyroid ophthalmopathy experiencing diplopia during the active disease phase.
• Conservative management, particularly preferred occlusion methods, can aid patients while awaiting surgery.
• Enhanced patient education on all available occlusion options is warranted.