Ocular pulse amplitude in patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy

PURPOSE. To determine ocular pulse volume values in patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy with normal intraocular pressure, and to test the hypothesis that changes in orbital tissue that accompany thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy can in turn give changes in choroidal perfusion. METHODS. In a prospective study, we evaluated 30 eyes of 30 consecutive patients with TAO, and 30 eyes of 30 healthy subjects. Complete ophthalmologic examination including dynamic contour tonometry was done. Possible differences in ocular parameters between the tested groups were assessed. RESULTS. No significant difference was found in ocular pulse volume values between the tested subjects (paired test p=0.23). CONCLUSIONS. The orbit tissue changes that are involved in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy do not have much implication on choroidal perfusion, at least when intraocular pressure values remain within the normal range.