issue 3/2023
N., Kalfova, D. Kazakova
Department of Surgery, University Hospital „Lozenets“, Sofia University „St. Kliment Ohridski“
Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) or thyroid eye disease (TED) is the most common extrathyroidal manifestation of autoimmune diseases of the thyroid gland. TAO is an autoimmune inflammatory disease, affecting the retroorbital soft tissues and extraocular muscles. The exact pathogenic mechanisms are still under investigation. The development of the disease proceeds through 2 phases – inflammatory (active) and fibrotic (inactive). Clinically the disease results in an array of eye manifestations, the most common of which are exophthalmos and retraction of eyelids. TAO is the most common cause for both unilateral and bilateral proptosis in adults. Depending on the severity of the condition a mild, moderate and severe forms are known. The severe form of the disease drastically impacts the patients quality of life and represent a therapeutic challenge.