The effect of pulsed electromagnetic field on patients with endocrine ophthalmopathy

Purpose. To evaluate eye signs, proptosis and ocular movements in patients with endocrine ophthalmopathy under the influence of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy. Methods. We examined 14 patients (9 women, 5 men) with endocrine ophthalmopathy and evaluated eye signs, proptosis and ocular movements before and after the course of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, and 12 controls. Their age ranged from 29 to 57 years. Visual sensitivity was investigated with a static automatic perimeter (Allergan Humphrey Field Analyzer). The score was calculated by rating the severity of involvement of soft tissue, proptosis, extraocular movements, corneal state and optic nerve function on a scale from 0 to 3. The pulsed electromagnetic field procedures were carried out with the help of electromagnetic spectacles. Results. Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy reduced the score for soft tissue and proptosis in patients who suffered from endocrine ophthalmopathy. There was fall in the mean score for ocular movements, corneal and optic nerve function but it did not reach significance after treatment. Electromagnetic field therapy has no useful effect on visual signs and eye movements in two patients who had had the illness more than two years. Conclusions. Localised pulsed electromagnetic field procedures can be recommended, together with other methods of conservative treatment of endocrine ophthalmopathy.