The thyroid gland produces hormones that help regulate the body's metabolism. In some cases, the gland malfunctions and produces more hormones than the body needs. Then we have the condition called hyperthyroidism or Graves' disease.

25% to 50% of patients with Graves' disease will develop thyroid ophthalmopathy, which is the most common extrathyroidal manifestation of this disease. It is more common in women and smokers.

Symptoms of thyroid ophthalmopathy are exophthalmos, eye irritation, corneal ulcers, diplopia, photophobia, dry eyes, drooping of the upper and lower eyelids, and loss of vision.

The most dangerous complication of thyroid eye disease is optic neuropathy, which without treatment leads to permanent vision loss in 30% of patients.

The causes are the accumulation of fat behind the eyeball and the swelling of the eye muscles, with the result that the eye is "pushed" out and progressively presses on the optic nerve and its vessels.

Non-surgical treatment involves the administration of cortisone and the use of radiation to reduce the volume of tissue pressing on the eyes.

This treatment is indicated in the first period of the manifestation of the disease.

In advanced stages where there is diplopia or reduced vision, specialized surgical treatment is needed to decompress the eye socket.

Surgical decompression of the orbit is intended to increase the space for the contents of the eye.

In recent years, endocrine techniques have been implemented using endoscopes with a camera, which allow the complete removal of the bone of the eye socket through the nose, resulting in decompression along the entire length of the optic nerve.

In this way, the compressed tissues of the orbit are spread to the adjacent paranasal sinuses reducing the intraocular pressure and further loss of vision.

In addition, the aesthetic part can be restored with blepharoplasty with very good results.