Thyroid eye disease, also known as Graves’ eye disease, is a condition that affects the eyes and is closely linked to an overactive thyroid gland. Smoking is a known risk factor for Graves’ eye disease, but recent research suggests that smokers with the condition face an even greater risk when it comes to surgery. In this article, we explore the link between smoking and thyroid eye disease, and why smokers should be particularly careful when considering surgery for this condition.
Smokers at Greater Risk of Surgery for Thyroid Eye Disease
According to researchers from Harvard Medical School, smoking is associated with an increased risk of surgical intervention for treating thyroid eye disease (TED) in the Intelligent Research in Sight (IRIS) Registry. The study was published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology.
The study was a retrospective cohort study that included 87,774 patients with Graves’ disease in the IRIS Registry from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2020. The primary outcome was the need for surgery to treat TED, which included orbital decompression, strabismus surgery, and eyelid recession surgery.
The results showed that current smokers had a higher 5-year cumulative probability of undergoing orbital decompression (3.7% vs 1.9%), strabismus surgery (4.6% vs 2.2%), and eyelid recession (4.1% vs 2.6%). After adjusting for demographic factors, those who currently smoked were at greater risk of undergoing orbital decompression, strabismus surgery, and eyelid recession than those who never smoked. Former smokers were also at higher risk than those who never smoked but at a lower risk than those who currently smoked.
The authors concluded that “smoking was associated with an increased risk of surgical intervention for TED in the IRIS Registry. Former smokers were at a lower risk than current smokers, supporting the role of smoking cessation in lowering the burden of surgical disease at the population level.”
Patients with TED may have bulging eyes, double vision, or inflammation around the eyes. Surgery is necessary when the symptoms are severe or when the vision is at risk. The study suggests that smoking is a risk factor for TED progression, and quitting smoking can lower the risk of requiring surgery.
In conclusion, this study provides evidence that smoking is associated with increased surgical interventions for TED. It highlights the importance of smoking cessation in the prevention of TED progression. This study is in line with previous studies that have shown that smoking is a risk factor for various ocular diseases, including cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Smoking cessation can not only improve one’s general health but also help to preserve eye health.
In conclusion, smoking not only increases the risk of developing thyroid eye disease but can also lead to complications during surgery. It is important for individuals with this condition to quit smoking to avoid further damage to their eyes and increase the chances of a successful surgery. Healthcare professionals also play a crucial role in informing patients about the risks associated with smoking and providing support to help them quit. Let us work together to protect our health and well-being by making informed choices that promote a healthy lifestyle.
