Treatment for exopthalmia?

[David H]

I was wondering why is there no apparent treatment for exopthalmia, the bulging eyes caused by hyperthyroidism? Although the condition in the thyroid is easily treatable I've never come across anyone whose eyes have returned to normal, either naturally or with medical help, and thought something as direct as this would have attracted a vast amount of research to counteract as it does change the sufferer's appearances quite drastically.

[Quassia]

Hi, I'll be very interested in replies to your question David. I have a thyroid condition, may be it's a question of being diagnosed & treated early enough? My eyes are relatively o.k although I do suffer a sensitivity to normal daylight & particularly sunshine. I 'did' have Exopthalmia in the earl stages.

[Sqad]

interesting question......I too have never experienced anyone who has treatment for exophthalmia due to hyperthyrodism, however treatments are available starting with giving steroids in the early stages.

Now, if the patient is experiencing double vision or other visual problems then to protect the cornea, two procedures come to mind.

a) Lengthening the eyelids to cover more of the conjunctiva. but patient's complain that the cosmetic result is unacceptable and the operation is very rarely, if ever performed.

b) A surgical expansion of the eye socket allowing the eyeball to fit more neatly...another bl00dy awful procedure which goes under the name of the surgeon that originated this operation..called Nafzigger (Google it) and another modification by some Japanese chap Gosha or something (I have just made that chap's name up because ihave forgotten it :-)

That is the best that I can do.........sorry.

[Sqad]

P.S Radiotherapy is also sometimes used for sever exophthalmos....I have no experience of this, so Google it if you would like to know more.

[David H]

Fascinating answers everyone, and the plastic surgery offered so far is either covering up the condition inadequately or major cranial surgery. It's good news yours cleared up on its own Quassia, that probably gives more of a medical clue as to a route of treatment using the body's own healing process than anything surgical. But I am surprised there isn't yet any way to slightly reduce the eyeball directly from inside or outside. Maybe they don't think it's worth the risk as things stand.