Common Causes Of Ophthalmoplegia

Ophthalmoplegia is paralysis or weakness of the eye muscles. Six muscles hold the eye in place and control its movements, and any one of these can be affected leading to ophthalmoplegia. There are two types of ophthalmoplegia: chronic progressive external and internuclear. Chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia usually occurs in adults between eighteen and forty years old. Internuclear ophthalmoplegia occurs due to nerve damage to the nerve fibers that coordinate lateral movements of the eye. Individuals affected with ophthalmoplegia may experience double vision or blurred vision, or they may experience drooping eyelids or difficulty controlling eye muscle coordination.

Graves' Disease

Some individuals with Graves' disease, an autoimmune condition that affects the production of thyroid hormone, develop a condition called Graves' ophthalmopathy, which is also known as thyroid eye disease. Graves' ophthalmopathy affects the muscles and tissues around the eyes. The most characteristic finding of Graves' ophthalmopathy is bulging of the eyeballs, known as exophthalmos. Other common symptoms include lid retraction, swollen eyelids, light sensitivity, and double vision.

Graves' ophthalmopathy occurs in about thirty percent of individuals with Graves' disease and is caused by the immune system attacking the muscles and tissues around the eyes. The inflamed muscles that hold the optic nerve in place can become damaged and if left untreated, may result in vision loss. To decrease eye irritation, artificial tear drops can be used several times a day, and steroids can be given to reduce the eye swelling. As well, if the eyes are protruding a great deal, a surgeon can perform orbital decompression surgery.