A patient reporting vision changes, photophobia, and lid lag may be exhibiting signs of which of the following conditions?

• A. Retinal detachment
• B. Glaucoma
• C. Cataracts
• D. Thyroid eye disease (Graves' ophthalmopathy)

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Identify the key symptoms presented by the patient: vision changes, photophobia (sensitivity to light), and lid lag (delay in the movement of the upper eyelid).
2. Step 2: Understand the typical symptoms associated with each listed condition: Retinal detachment often presents with sudden vision loss or flashes; Glaucoma is characterized by increased intraocular pressure and gradual vision loss; Cataracts cause clouding of the lens leading to blurred vision but not typically photophobia or lid lag.
3. Step 3: Recognize that lid lag and photophobia are hallmark signs of thyroid eye disease (Graves' ophthalmopathy), which is an autoimmune condition affecting the tissues around the eyes, often linked to hyperthyroidism.
4. Step 4: Connect the symptoms to the underlying pathology of thyroid eye disease, where inflammation and swelling of eye muscles and tissues cause lid lag and sensitivity to light.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the combination of vision changes, photophobia, and lid lag is most consistent with thyroid eye disease rather than the other options provided.