Triamcinolone Acetonide Injection for Upper Eyelid Retraction in Thyroid Eye Disease

Thyroid eye disease (TED) is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder characterized by orbital tissue expansion and eyelid abnormalities. Upper eyelid retraction is the most common clinical sign and may cause ocular exposure, discomfort, and significant cosmetic concerns.

The pathophysiology of eyelid retraction in TED involves inflammation and fibrosis of eyelid retractors, including the levator palpebrae superioris and Müller muscle. Although surgical correction is effective, it is generally reserved for the inactive stage of the disease. Therefore, medical therapies aimed at reducing inflammation and modulating eyelid retractor function have been explored.

Triamcinolone acetonide is a synthetic corticosteroid with potent anti-inflammatory effects and prolonged local action due to its depot formulation. Local administration may reduce inflammation of eyelid tissues while minimizing systemic adverse effects.

This prospective interventional study evaluates the efficacy of triamcinolone acetonide administered through combined transconjunctival and transseptal injections in patients with upper eyelid retraction secondary to inactive thyroid eye disease.

Participants were recruited from the Thyroid Clinic at the Conde de Valenciana Institute of Ophthalmology. Each patient received a subconjunctival injection of triamcinolone acetonide above the superior tarsal border and a transcutaneous injection into the upper eyelid. Clinical parameters including margin reflex distance 1 (MRD1), palpebral fissure height, visual acuity, intraocular pressure, eyelid crease height, and Clinical Activity Score were recorded at baseline and one month after treatment.

The primary objective of the study is to evaluate changes in MRD1 after treatment. Secondary outcomes include changes in palpebral fissure height, intraocular pressure, visual acuity, and clinical activity score. Safety outcomes include the evaluation of adverse effects associated with periocular corticosteroid injection.

Inclusion criteria

• Male or female participants aged 18 years or older.
• Diagnosis of thyroid eye disease.
• Presence of upper eyelid retraction defined as margin reflex distance 1 (MRD1) ≥ 4.5 mm.
• Clinical Activity Score (CAS) lower than 3 points.
• Ability and willingness to provide written informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

• Previous or current systemic corticosteroid treatment during the study period.
• Active thyroid eye disease with Clinical Activity Score (CAS) ≥ 3.
• Other causes of eyelid retraction.
• Need for urgent surgical management.
• Known allergy to triamcinolone acetonide.
• Known steroid responders.
• Diagnosis of advanced primary or secondary glaucoma according to Hodapp-Parrish-Anderson criteria.