Whether caused by proptosis or eyelid retraction, the exposed cornea tends to become dry and inflamed. Artificial tears and gels may be used to combat dryness, but agents intended to reduce eye redness should be avoided. When exophthalmos progresses rapidly, it's termed progressive exophthalmos, and, if severe, malignant exophthalmos. The term exophthalmic ophthalmoplegia refers to the ocular muscle weakness that results in impaired upward gase. Ophthalmoplegia usually affects one eye and may cause paralysis of upward gaze.
Oral steroids are the first line of treatment in reducing congestive infiltration.
Several decompression surgeries have evolved to reduce the congestive infiltration. However, unless symptoms interfere with vision, surgery is usually reserved until the eye condition has stabilized. Generally, symptoms caused by excess thyroid hormone include staring, dryness, eyelid twitch and edema. When congestion- induced proptosis has already changed the eye muscle contours, euthyroidism will not change the outcome. For these patients, surgical intervention is generally necessary to correct proptosis.