Optic neuropathy in Graves' disease. About two cases.

Among 50% of patients with hyperthyroidism develop manifestations of ophthalmopathy and there are between 2% and 5% with severe Graves' ophthalmopathy. The optic neuropathy is a complication of Graves' disease and can be very dangerous for the visual acuity and the treatment must be very fast. We report two cases of severe Graves' ophthalmopathy observed in two black patients from martinique (French West Indies). Orbital irradiation can be choosed after initial unsuccessful treatment with corticotherapy and before a surgical decompression. These three therapeutics can be combined together according to the results of the treatment and require a real coordination between ophthalmologists, endocrinologists and radiotherapeutists as well as a good cooperation from the patient himself.