Orbital Radiation for Graves - need information please!

[Manda29]

I have severe Graves Ophthalmopathy and my Ophthalmologist has just put in a referral to have Orbital Radiation. I am having trouble finding information on this and am very nervous. Has anyone had this done? Or have any information about it? I'm hoping that the benefits will outweigh the risks... as my eyes are so sore and bulging and I really want some relief (without going back on steriods)!
Thanks for any info you may have!

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

Probably yes. Sounds like you have a good team. Go with their recommendations.

JCH MD

[Manda29]

Thank you for your response. I am seeing an endocrinologist and my ophthalmologist specializes in ophthalmic plastic and lacrimal surgery. He is apparently the best in my area and has 25 years experience with Graves' Ophthalmopathy. I have had horrible side effects with steriods including excrutiating leg pain, being in a 'fog' and ofcourse the not so nice physical changes. It sounds like orbital decompression won't happen until my eyes stabilize as my optic nerve is currently not at risk...  although I have 20/60 and 20/40 vision (which constantly changes), high eye pressure and double vision (up, down and to the sides). I also have Worst Myopic lens implants.
Would radiation treatment be beneficial?

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

1. Be sure you are under the care of an ophthalmologist and an endocrinologist.
2. Ask for a second opinion from a oculoplastic surgeon.
3. Radiation is not done so much as in the past due to better medical RX of Graves, the use of steroids and orbital decompression.

JCH MD