Our experience: oculopalpebral signs in dysthyroid patients

Aim: The purpose of this study is to enhance the oculopalpebral semeiotics for an earlier and more complete evaluation of ophthalmic and endocrinological patients by providing a more comprehensive report in the collaboration and interdisciplinary exchange between the ophthalmologist and the endocrinologist. Materials and Methods: We evaluated and catalogued visible oculopalpebral alterations that occur at adnexal and oculo-orbital level in patients with dysthyroidism. We evaluated patients affected by Basedow-Graves-Flajani disease, including patients with hypothyroidism and thyroiditis. We proposed to our patients to undergo simple tests to evaluate the presence of any ophthalmopathy associated with their metabolic disorder. Results: Oculopalpebral signs were not found in all patients examined. The development of ophthalmopathy is influenced by multiple factors not all known yet. A greater interest in evaluating these alterations and their evolution over the time should be considered very useful. Conclusions: This work offers a new integrated interdisciplinary approach to dysthyroid patients.