Early strabismus surgery for thyroid ophthalmopathy

Objective: To determine whether strabismus surgery during active thyroid op hthalmopathy is beneficial for selected patients. Design: Case series. Participants: Eight patients with severe restrictive strabismus due to thyr oid ophthalmopathy underwent early strabismus surgery and were followed for a minimum of 16 months after their initial surgery. Intervention: All eight patients underwent strabismus surgery while their t hyroid ophthalmopathy was evolving. Main Outcome Measures: Success was determined by the ability to fuse in the primary position at distance and near without an abnormal head position, a nd the absence of vision-threatening complications related to strabismus su rgery. Results: All eight patients achieved successful long-term alignment. Four p atients (50%) required more than one operation. Conclusions: Strabismus surgery during active thyroid ophthalmopathy can re sult in long-term stable alignment and may be a useful alternative in selec ted patients with marked disability due to thyroid ophthalmopathy.