Nuccia

i would like to ask a neuro-olpatomolgist about a condition called exophthalmos what are the side effects of radi therapy, or surgery, and if i sit an wait what are the consequenses. I was diagnosed with the problem May 2007 and have gone from bad to worse. Please help.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

It depends a lot on what is causing the exophthalmos. The most common is Graves Disease as a part of hyperthyroidism. There are other causes some quite serious. I cannot answer your questions since I don't know what's causing the problem. I suggest you see a oculo-plastic surgeon (find one in the USA at www.aao.org).

JCH III MD

[nuccia_55]

The doctors do not know what is causing my exophthalmos and i do not have a thyroid problem. I have taken steroids but i could not cope with the massive dose, now they don't know if i should have radio therapy or surgery  or maybe sit and wait all of those things are not without dangers. I would like to sit and wait but at what cost, they can't tell me , what if i get a lot worse. All i need is to get more information and more opinions from different doctors so that i can be involved in the decision. I would also like to know if there is any way i can get to talk to people who have the same problem as me or has had the same problem as  me. Thank You.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

If you will use the search feature, topics and archives you can find exchanges between people that have exophthalmos.  A recent article I read on the subject indicated that you might benefit from a biopsy of the tissue behind the eyes. This can be done by a oculoplastic surgeon

JCH III MD