Management of graves myopathy: Thyroid-associated orbitopathy: when should we operate?

Abstract

Thyroid-associated orbitopathy (TAO) is an autoimmune disorder that affects multiple periocular tissues. In TAO, an active immunologic inflammatory phase is typically followed by a cicatrizing recovery phase. Management in the inflammatory phase is supportive, and surgical rehabilitation should generally be deferred until the patient is stable. We review current treatment concepts, with a focus on the timing and sequence of surgical procedures to address proptosis, motility restriction, and eyelid malposition in patients with TAO. A stepwise surgical approach maximizes the predictability of surgical outcomes and minimizes reoperations.