Management of thyroid ophthalmopathy.

The pathogenesis of thyroid ophthalmopathy and its relation to thyroid gland dysfunction defies elucidation, and thus only palliative therapy exists. If and how antithyroid therapy affects the course of thyroid eye disease remains controversial. Research continues to try to reveal a subset of patients who respond best to corticosteroid or radiation treatment. Innovations in the surgical correction of upper eyelid retraction, orbital decompression technique, and the approach to restrictive myopathy help improve outcome. Preliminary knowledge concerning octreotide suggests that it may play a role in thyroid ophthalmopathy treatment and prevention. Future studies still need to answer basic questions about the treatment of thyroid ophthalmopathy.