Which finding in Thyroid Eye Disease is described as swelling and fibrosis of the extraocular muscles causing restricted movements?

Which finding in Thyroid Eye Disease is described as swelling and fibrosis of the extraocular muscles causing restricted movements?

• A. Conjunctival hemorrhage
• B. Iritis
• C. Corneal dystrophy
• D. EOM swelling and fibrosis

Answer: (D)

In Thyroid Eye Disease, the primary process targets the extraocular muscles with inflammation that leads to edema and, over time, fibrosis. This thickening and stiffening of the muscles reduces their ability to move smoothly, producing restricted eye movements and often diplopia. The description of swelling (edema) followed by fibrotic change directly reflects this motor limitation caused by affected muscles. The other options don’t account for the motility restriction: conjunctival hemorrhage is a surface bleed, iritis is inflammation of the iris, and corneal dystrophy involves the cornea, none of which explains restricted extraocular movement.