Effect of orbital decompression on dysthyroid optic neuropathy: A retrospective case series

In this study, we try to explore the effect of orbital decompression treatment on severe dysthyroid optic neuropathy. We retrospectively collected demographic and clinical characteristics of thyroid eye disease patients who performed orbital decompression. Then we analyzed the change of best-corrected visual acuity and exophthalmometry after surgery and the correlations among clinical parameters. A total of 22 cases (30 eyes) were included in the study. After orbital decompression, visual acuities improved in 16 eyes, declined in 8 eyes, and had no change in 5 eyes. Best-corrected visual acuity was significantly improved (0.1 vs 0.4, P = .039) and exophthalmometry was significantly declined (22.0 mm vs 16.5 mm, P = .001) after orbital decompression. Better postoperative best-corrected visual acuity was significantly correlated with better preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (r = 0.718, P < .05), and with normal optic disc (r = 0.568, P < .05), but not with age, exophthalmometry, keratopathy, and clinical activity score. These results showed that orbital decompression is a useful approach to manage dysthyroid optic neuropathy. The optimal time for surgery should be chosen based on clinical parameters, such as visual acuity and degree of crowding of orbital apex.