Changes in the Ocular Parameters of Patients with Graves' Disease after Antithyroid Drug Treatment

Abstract

Background and Objectives: To find the differences in ocular axial length, keratometric measurements, and intraocular lens (IOL) power in patients with Graves' disease (GD) after treatment with a thionamide antithyroid drug (ATD), methimazole. Materials and Methods: The medical charts of 28 patients (4 males and 24 females; mean age: 47.2 +/- 21.2 years) were studied. Each patient was examined twice using an IOL Master Device and keratometry at the first visit (before ATD treatment) and after 1 month of ATD treatment. The IOL power was calculated for each patient using the Hoffer Q, SRK-2, and SRK/T formulas according to axial length. Results: After 1 month, the axial length increased (right and left eyes: p < 0.001 and p = 0.05, respectively). Based on keratometry, changes in the horizontal and vertical optical power [in diopters (D)] were not statistically significant. However, the IOL power changed after 1 month of ATD treatment in 64.3% of the patients. In 14 patients (50%), there was a 0.5-1.0 D IOL power decrease in single eyes; in two patients (7.1%), an IOL power decrease of 0.5-1.0 D in both eyes; and in two patients (7.1%), a 0.5 D IOL power increase in single eyes. The calculated IOL power values were lower after ATD treatment (right and left eyes, p = 0.010 and p = 0.018, respectively). Conclusions: The IOL power changed in 64.3% of GD patients after ATD treatment. Therefore, avoiding cataract surgery at the early stage of ATD treatment would be appropriate for selecting a more accurate IOL power.