Subclinical Ocular Motility Dysfunction and Extraocular Muscle Changes in Inactive Graves’ Orbitopathy

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the presence of structural and functional changes in extraocular muscles (EMs) among patients with inactive Graves’ orbitopathy (GO) classified according to the Clinical Activity Score (CAS). Sixty-seven patients with Graves’ disease (GD) and inactive GO were included. The data collected included clinical parameters, thyroid function, autoantibody levels, EOM morphology via orbital ultrasound (US), and ocular motility. Patients were stratified into Red Filter Test (RFT)-positive or RFT-negative groups based on the presence or absence of latent diplopia during the RFT examination. Thirty-three patients (49.25%) exhibited latent diplopia on the RFT, despite not reporting double vision during standard ocular motility tests. Significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of age, disease duration, intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation in up-gaze, and medial rectus muscle thickness (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found in thyroid status, TRAb and ATA levels, CASs, exophthalmos, or lateral rectus thickness between the two groups. This study revealed that in inactive GO, subclinical EM dysfunction and morphological changes may be present, which might not be apparent through routine ocular examinations. The RFT is effective in detecting latent diplopia, highlighting its utility in identifying subtle ocular motility issues and subclinical muscle involvement. Comprehensive evaluations combining functional tests like the RFT and imaging are essential for early detection of GO-related abnormalities, enabling tailored and prompt management and improving patient outcomes.