Research

Ophthalmology

Introduction

Graves' orbitopathy (GO) is a symptom of hyperthyroidism (TAO), characterized by protruding eyeballs that appear to be glaring. While hyperthyroidism can be detected through blood tests, measuring GO currently relies on clinicians using an ex vivo measurement tool called the Hertel index. With advancements in medical technology, the degree of eye protrusion can now be more accurately measured using computed tomography (CT), which surpasses the accuracy of ex vivo measurements. However, CT-based bulge measurement only considers planar information and lacks consideration of the three-dimensional expansion of the tissues behind the eye. Therefore, our current focus is on researching methods for volumetric marking and assessing extraocular muscle and fat tissue. We aim to introduce a new three-dimensional index that will allow for a more precise evaluation of the degree of eye protrusion, as well as standardize the marking process. This will assist physicians in obtaining a more objective assessment index.