Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy Subtypes and Orbital Antibodies

Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy Subtypes and Orbital Antibodies

The purpose of this study is to determine whether radioactive iodine, as compared to anti-thyroid medications, is a risk factor for the development or progression of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy in patients with hyperthyroidism due to Graves' disease. The other aim of this study is to determine the incidence of the various ophthalmopathy subtypes and the utility of orbital antibodies in the diagnosis, classification and monitoring of patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Graves' disease diagnosed in the last 3 months, regardless of the presence of ophthalmopathy

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pre-existing eye disease: e.g. orbital surgery, orbital irradiation or significant loss of vision
• Age < 18 years
• Inability to consent to participation in the study
• Pregnancy
• History of radio-active iodine therapy