THYROID ASSOCIATED OPHTHALMOPATHY

Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy is associated with dysthyroid or euthyroid status. It is an autoimmune disease. It is also known as Grave's Orbitopathy or Thyroid Eye Disease or Thyroid Related Orbitopathy. The clinical presentation varies from mild to most severe, sight-threatening, disease. It can cause functional deficits, cosmetic disfigurement and compromised quality of life. A timely interventional approach by an oculoplastic and an endocrinologist can make a huge difference in the final outcome of the disease.

COSMETIC ARTIFICIAL EYE

Loss of vision indeed causes profound mental trauma. If the vision loss is accompanied by disfigurement of the eye it further adds to the trauma and decreases patient's self-confidence. The disfigurement can be very well corrected by an appropriate surgery as advised by an oculoplastic surgeon and a custom-made ocular prosthesis. The results are very satisfying in a typical case.

WATERY EYE IN CHILDREN

Watery eye in children is commonly due to a membranous obstruction at the opening of the nasolacrimal duct in the nose. This is known as congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction. The management is usually conservative with massage (after every feed) and antibiotic eye drops if there is an infection. Surgical intervention can be postponed till the age of 10- 12 months.  It does not harm a child’s eyesight ever. Surgery is a very minor procedure under general anesthesia & takes 20 to 25 minutes without any scar. It must be done under endonasal endoscopic guidance to get the best results.  An oculoplastic surgeon is trained for the procedure.