EPIDEMIOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT OF GRAVES OPHTHALMOPATHY

Significant contributions to understanding the epidemiologic character istics of Graves' ophthalmopathy and to improving the management of in dividual patients have been provided by reports published within the p ast year. Several studies have shown a strong association between toba cco smoking and Graves' ophthalmopathy. It is not yet known whether ce ssation of smoking by patients with Graves' hyperthyroidism will decre ase the risk for development or progression of ophthalmopathy. However , we discuss with patients the findings of current studies and indicat e that cessation of smoking may be helpful. Treatment of hyperthyroidi sm with iodine-131 solution has been suggested to increase the risk fo r ophthalmopathy, but that view has not been accepted by many physicia ns. Several improvements in current methods for managing ophthalmopath y are reviewed.