Intraocular Pressure and Glaucoma in Thyroid Eye Disease

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Thyroid eye disease (TED) is an autoimmune condition affecting the orbits.
• Ocular hypertension and glaucoma are potential complications of TED, but knowledge is fragmented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize current knowledge on intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation and glaucoma in patients with thyroid eye disease (TED).
• To evaluate the pathogenesis, prevalence, and management of ocular hypertension or glaucoma in TED.

Main Methods:

• A narrative review of relevant publications identified through a computerized database search.
• Qualitative analysis of extracted data including epidemiologic information, IOP assessment, and management strategies.

Main Results:

• Literature on IOP elevation and glaucoma in TED is heterogeneous.
• Potential mechanisms for IOP elevation include elevated episcleral venous pressure, mucopolysaccharide deposition, restrictive myopathy, and steroid-induced or secondary glaucoma.

Conclusions:

• Elevated IOP is common in TED.
• Diagnosing glaucoma in TED necessitates a high index of suspicion prior to treatment initiation.