Visual morbidity in thyroid eye disease in Asian Indian patients

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Thyroid eye disease (TED) is an autoimmune condition affecting the orbits.
• Visual morbidity in TED can significantly impact patient quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of visual morbidity in Asian Indian patients with TED.
• To identify factors associated with the onset and severity of visual morbidity in this population.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of 301 patients with TED from May 2014 to April 2019.
• Data collected included patient history, clinical findings, investigations, and treatment outcomes.
• Statistical analysis to identify risk factors for visual morbidity.

Main Results:

• 19% of patients experienced visual morbidity (compressive optic neuropathy, exposure keratopathy, diplopia).
• Significant risk factors for high visual morbidity included male gender, older age, and diabetes (P < 0.05).
• Intravenous glucocorticoids were required for 19% of patients; 7.9% needed orbital decompression and 4.3% eyelid surgery.

Conclusions:

• Significant visual morbidity exists in Indian patients with TED, irrespective of proptosis or thyroid status control.
• This study provides novel data on visual morbidity in this demographic.
• Prompt treatment led to good visual outcomes in the majority of patients (97% with vision 6/12 or better).