Tratamiento de la oftalmopatía tiroidea

Graves' ophthalmopathy, the main extrathyroidal feature of Graves' disease, is an autoimmune condition. In most patients, ophthalmopathy is mild and only supportive measures are needed, but if the disease is moderate or severe the appropriate treatment remains controversial. Several aspects of the pathogenesis are not elucidated and this makes it difficult the design of specific treatments. Immunosuppressive therapies are only effective in two thirds of the cases. Anyway, the current treatment of Graves' ophthalmopathy relies on the use of glucocorticoids, orbital irradiation and surgery. The choice of the therapeutical approach will depend on the activity and the severity of the ophthalmopathy.