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Dysthyroid optic neuropathy: a case series at a tertiary ophthalmic referral centre
In Young Chung1, Thomas G Hardy2,3, Jwu Jin Khong4,2,3
1Department of Ophthalmology, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia. iychung225@gmail.com.
Background/Objectives:
To determine risk factors and treatment outcomes in dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) at a single tertiary ophthalmic centre.
Methods:
Retrospective audit of DON patients who have received intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) therapy at Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia from July 2015 to October 2021.
Results:
Study included 24 patients (58% female) with an average age of 59.8 ± 14.7 years at DON diagnosis. Majority (92%) had Graves' hyperthyroidism and 77% had a smoking history. At diagnosis, average visual acuity (VA) of worse eye was LogMAR 0.46, and 48% had relative afferent pupillary defect. Proptosis (89%) and diplopia (73%) were most commonly present at diagnosis. 78% showed predominantly extra-ocular muscle enlargement, and apical crowding (52%) on radiology. 38% (n = 9/24) responded to IVMP alone, 58% (n = 14/24) progressed to surgical orbital decompression. The average total cumulative dose of IVMP during DON treatment was 6.8 ± 1.9 g. 29% required further treatment after IVMP and surgical decompression, 4 (17%) had additional radiotherapy, and three (13%) required immuno-modulatory therapy. Average final VA was LogMAR 0.207, with all patients having inactive TED at final follow-up (mean 1.7 years). In refractory DON cases, 71% retained VA ≥ 6/9 and 48% had DON reversal.
Conclusions:
DON patients typically present in late 50s, with a smoking history and predominant extra-ocular muscle enlargement. High-dose IVMP fully resolved DON in only 38%. A considerable proportion required urgent orbital decompression. Most patients retained good vision at final follow-up.
