Eye Tracking Study on Eye Movement Function and Visual Attention Patterns in Patients With Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy

Eye Tracking Study on Eye Movement Function and Visual Attention Patterns in Patients With Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy

This study focuses on eye health and visual function in patients with Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy (TAO), a condition that often causes bulging eyes and restricted eye movement. The purpose of this study is to use non-invasive eye-tracking technology to evaluate how the disease affects eye movement function. The investigators hypothesize that compared to healthy individuals, patients with TAO will show measurable differences in eye stability and the ability to track moving objects. Additionally, the investigators believe the disease may alter how patients visually scan faces (e.g., avoiding eye contact). The study will enroll 100 participants, including both patients and healthy volunteers. By recording gaze patterns while participants look at a screen, the investigators aim to objectively quantify the physical and social impact of the disease, providing better data for future treatment plans.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged between 18 and 70 years, inclusive.
• Willing and able to provide written informed consent.
• Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ≥ 1.0 in both eyes, with no history of ocular diseases or thyroid disorders.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Non-TAO Ocular Motility Disorders: History of conditions like myasthenia gravis, cranial nerve palsy, or congenital strabismus.
• Neurological Diseases: Disorders affecting oculomotor control (e.g., Parkinson's, MS, stroke, or brain tumors).
• Significant Visual Impairment: BCVA < 0.5 due to media opacities or retinopathy, preventing clear visualization of stimuli.
• Prior Ocular Surgery: History of surgeries affecting extraocular muscle mechanics (e.g., strabismus surgery, scleral buckling).
• Psychiatric or Cognitive Disorders: Inability to follow instructions or conditions affecting eye movements (e.g., schizophrenia).
• Medication Interference: Use of drugs affecting reaction time (e.g., sedatives) within 48 hours of testing.