Question

What are the symptoms and signs of optic nerve compression in thyroid eye disease?

Hint:

Early identification of optic nerve compression in TED is crucial to prevent irreversible vision loss. Prompt treatment can significantly improve outcomes.

Answer 1

Symptoms of Optic Nerve Compression in TED:
1. Vision Loss:
- Progressive visual loss or blurry vision due to the compression of the optic nerve.
2. Visual Field Defects:
- Central or peripheral vision loss, which may manifest as scotomas (dark spots) or visual field constriction.
3. Color Vision Deficits:
- Reduced color perception, particularly in the red-green spectrum, which can be indicative of optic nerve damage.
Signs of Optic Nerve Compression in TED:
1. Optic Disc Edema:
- Swelling of the optic nerve head, seen during fundoscopy.
2. Optic Nerve Pallor:
- Paleness of the optic nerve head due to chronic compression and ischemia.
3. Increased Cup-to-Disc Ratio:
- A widening of the optic cup due to optic atrophy.