Graves’s Ophthalmopathy and Covid19: Choices and Cautions

Abstract

Graves is a common autoimmune disease of the thyroid which results in many complications especially ophthalmopathy. Graves's ophthalmopathy is an inflammatory process that results in the enlargement of orbital soft tissues and vision problems. There are different approaches offered to the treatment of this problem. Recently the world has faced with covid 19 outbreak crises which can influence other disease and their treatment plans. We performed a review to determine the management of Graves's ophthalmopathy in regards to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. We concluded despite common reports of thyroid dysfunction in covid 19 diseases; it is not associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 related hospitalization or a worse outcome. We also recommend orbital radiotherapy and corticosteroid plus selenium supplement as the best choice for Graves ophthalmopathy.