Pioneers in the history of orbital decompression for Graves' ophthalmopathy. R.U. Kroenlein (1847-1910), O. Hirsch (1877-1965) and H.C. Naffziger (1884-1961).

Orbital decompression for Graves' ophthalmopathy began in 1890 when Dollinger adapted Kroenlein's technique for removal of an orbital dermoid cyst to decompress into the subtemporal fossa. Modifications occurred over the years to decompress the orbit into the paranasal sinuses and/or the anterior cranial fossa. The lives of three surgeons who initially performed these operative procedures are reported.