Treating Graves’ Disease at Hospital Clínic

Ophthalmopathy is treated by an ophthalmologist and involves local anti-inflammatory treatment with light-protection measures.  

In severe cases, it can be treated using drugs that lower the activity of the immune system, such as oral or intravenous glucocorticoids. In extreme cases, eyelid, eye muscle or orbital surgery is performed to repair the damage done by the protrusion of the eye.  

In general, radioactive iodine treatment is not recommended in patients with moderate or severe ophthalmic involvement. If radioiodine treatment is selected to control hyperthyroidism in a patient with ophthalmopathy, protective treatment must be used in conjunction with glucocorticoids to reduce the risk of the condition worsening. In most cases, the ophthalmopathy is self-limiting, in other words, it resolves on its own, and responds very well to treatment.  

Treatment for pretibial myxoedema involves local ointments and does not require intensive treatment.