This study focuses on eye health and visual function in patients with Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy (TAO), a condition that often causes bulging eyes and restricted eye movement. The purpose of this study is to use non-invasive eye-tracking technology to evaluate how the disease affects eye movement function. The investigators hypothesize that compared to healthy individuals, patients with TAO will show measurable differences in eye stability and the ability to track moving objects. Additionally, the investigators believe the disease may alter how patients visually scan faces (e.g., avoiding eye contact). The study will enroll 100 participants, including both patients and healthy volunteers. By recording gaze patterns while participants look at a screen, the investigators aim to objectively quantify the physical and social impact of the disease, providing better data for future treatment plans.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
100
This is an observational study; no therapeutic intervention is administered. All participants undergo a single, standardized study visit that includes: Participants will undergo a visual function assessment using a desktop-based high-frequency eye tracker. The assessment consists of three parts: 1. Calibration: To ensure accurate gaze tracking. 2. Oculomotor Tasks: Participants track visual targets to measure fixation stability and smooth pursuit capabilities. 3. Visual Attention Tasks: Participants view static images to record scanning patterns. The entire process is non-invasive and lasts approximately 15-20 minutes.
Changzheng Hospital
Shanghai, China
RECRUITINGSmooth Pursuit Function Gaze Distribution
Participants track a moving target on the screen. This metric quantifies the spatial distribution of fixation points recorded throughout the task duration
Time frame: Baseline
Central Fixation Stability
This outcome measures the participant's ability to maintain a steady gaze on a central target for a predefined duration. It is quantified by the percentage of fixation time remaining within a small predefined area around the target center.
Time frame: Baseline
Gaze Distribution on Ocular Areas of Interest
This metric analyzes the visual attention patterns when viewing images.This is used to evaluate potential social-visual avoidance or altered scanning strategies in TAO patients compared to healthy controls.
Time frame: Baseline
Extraocular Muscle (EOM) Thickness
The thickness of the extraocular muscles (including the medial, lateral, superior, and inferior rectus). This anatomical metric serves as a biological marker of disease severity and will be correlated with eye-tracking functional data to explore the relationship between muscle hypertrophy and movement impairment.
Time frame: Baseline
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