In ophthalmology, the clinical finding known as Dalrymple’s sign is frequently connected to the disease known as exophthalmos, or protruding eyes. It alludes to a particular feature of people with exophthalmos’ location of the upper eyelid. After the Scottish physician William Dalrymple, who originally reported it, Dalrymple’s sign was given its name.
The upper eyelid appears retracted or lifted in Dalrymple’s sign, making more of the white sclera visible above the iris (the coloured area of the eye). The affected person seems wide-eyed or startled when this symptom is present.The autoimmune condition Graves’ disease, which affects the thyroid gland, is frequently linked to this symptom. Excess thyroid hormone production as a result of the overactive thyroid gland in Graves’ illness can result in a number of ocular manifestations, including exophthalmos and associated symptoms like Dalrymple’s sign.
The Dalrymple’s sign can help medical practitioners identify and treat exophthalmos brought on by Graves’ disease. It can also be used in conjunction with other clinical indicators and diagnostic testing. Treatment options include controlling the underlying thyroid issue, taking care of any consequences involving the eyes, and offering symptomatic relief.
What are the causes of Dalrymple’s sign?
Although Dalrymple’s sign is a clinical symptom of a few underlying eye disorders, including exophthalmos or bulging eyes, it is not a direct result of any one particular condition. Dalrymple’s sign is most frequently brought on by Graves’ disease, an autoimmune condition that affects the thyroid gland.
In Graves’ disease, the thyroid gland overproduces thyroid hormones as a result of the immune system incorrectly producing antibodies that stimulate it. Exophthalmos and other symptoms involving the eyes, such as systemic and ocular indications of high thyroid hormone production.
The position and appearance of the eyelids alter as a result of exophthalmos, or the protrusion of one or both eyes. The term “Dalrymple’s sign” refers specifically to the elevation or retraction of the upper eyelid, which makes more of the sclera (the white of the eye) visible.the area of the eye that is white) above the iris.
Although Graves’ disease is the most frequent cause of Dalrymple’s sign, other illnesses that induce exophthalmos can also manifest as this sign. Other autoimmune thyroid conditions, orbital tumors, eye tissue inflammation (orbital cellulitis), and a few uncommon hereditary conditions that impact the eye and nearby structures are among them.
Symptoms of Dalrymple’s sign
Dalrymple’s sign refers to a clinical observation of the position and appearance of the upper eyelid in people with exophthalmos, particularly in the setting of Graves’ illness, and is not connected to any particular symptoms.
Exophthalmos, often known as bulging eyes, is a medical disorder in which one or both eyes protrude abnormally. When someone stares straight ahead, they will notice an increased amount of the white sclera (the white part of the eye) above the iris (the coloured area of the eye), which is known as Dalrymple’s sign.
During a physical examination, healthcare workers frequently look for Dalrymple’s sign. Instead of being a symptom that the affected person personally experiences, it is thought to be a clinical finding. The diagnosis and evaluation of the severity of exophthalmos and its underlying causes, notably Graves’ disease, can be aided by Dalrymple’s sign as well as other symptoms and indications.
Exophthalmos linked to Graves’ disease can cause symptoms such as these that are common to the ailment as a whole:
- Bulging or protruding eyes
- Dryness, irritation, or redness of the eyes
- Double vision (diplopia) or other vision changes
- Eye pain or discomfort
- Difficulty fully closing the eyelids
- Increased tearing or watery eyes
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Changes in appearance or self-esteem
Effects of Dalrymple’s sign
The Dalrymple’s sign is a clinical observation of the position and appearance of the upper eyelid in people with exophthalmos, particularly in the setting of Graves’ illness, and is not itself connected to any particular effects. Exophthalmos can have negative impacts on a person’s health and wellbeing, particularly those seen in conjunction with Dalrymple’s sign. Here are a few possible outcomes:
Visual disturbances: Exophthalmos can cause misalignment of the eyes and result in visual abnormalities like double vision (diplopia) or impaired vision, as well as the concomitant retraction of the top eyelid seen in Dalrymple’s sign. The impact of these visual changes on a person’s ability to see clearly and carry out tasks that call for good vision on a regular basis can be significant.
Eye discomfort and pain: Exophthalmos can cause eye pain, aching, or a pressure-like feeling behind the eyes due to the protrusion of the eyeballs. This may result in eye pain, which may need medical attention to be relieved.
Dryness and irritation:Exophthalmos can interfere with the normal blinking mechanism, causing incomplete blinking and insufficient tear distribution throughout the eye’s surface. This can cause dryness and irritation. The eyes may become dry, red, and irritated as a result. Infections of the eyes are also more likely to occur in dry eyes.
Eyelid issues: The eyelids may have trouble fully shutting due to the retraction or elevation of the upper eyelid in Dalrymple’s sign. The eye surface may become exposed as a result, which increases the risk of dryness, discomfort, and possible corneal injury.
Cosmetic issues: The position and appearance of the eyelids might vary as a result of exophthalmos, which can impact how the eyes look overall. An individual’s self-esteem and body image may be affected by this.
Functional restrictions: In severe cases of exophthalmos, the protrusion of the eyeballs and the corresponding eyelid retraction may interfere with the eyelids’ normal function, restricting their capacity to shield the eyes and perhaps raising the risk of eye injuries.
Preventions of Dalrymple’s sign
A clinical finding connected to exophthalmos is known as Dalrymple’s sign, especially when Graves’ illness is present. Although exophthalmos cannot be immediately prevented, its underlying causes can be managed with preventive methods. The following are some general tactics:
Manage thyroid conditions: Since Graves’ disease is frequently linked to Dalrymple’s sign, it is crucial to manage the underlying thyroid issue. This may entail taking thyroid hormone-regulating pharmaceuticals, such as beta-blockers or antithyroid medications, as directed by a medical expert. Surgery or radioactive iodine therapy may be options in some circumstances.
Regular medical check-ups: Visits to a healthcare provider on a regular basis are crucial for the early detection and treatment of diseases that can cause exophthalmos. This entails routine screening of thyroid function, eye exams, and assessment of any associated symptoms or concerns.
Compliance with medical therapy: It’s critical to adhere to your doctor’s recommended treatment plan if you have an underlying thyroid disorder or another illness linked to exophthalmos. This may entail adhering to lifestyle guidelines, attending scheduled follow-up appointments, and taking medications as prescribed.
Eye protection and care: Keeping your eyes healthy can help reduce your risk of developing eye-related exophthalmos issues. This includes maintaining excellent eye cleanliness, staying away from eye irritants, using lubricating eye drops if dryness is an issue, and wearing the proper eye protection when engaging in activities that put your eyes at risk of injury.
Treatments for Dalrymple’s sign
In the context of Graves’ illness, Dalrymple’s sign is a clinical observation connected to exophthalmos rather than a syndrome in and of itself. As a result, treating Dalrymple’s sign entails treating the underlying causes of exophthalmos as well as treating any related diseases. These are a few therapy options:
Treatment of Graves’ disease: If Dalrymple’s sign is present as a result of Graves’ disease, treating thyroid dysfunction is the main priority. Medications like beta-blockers or antithyroid medicines (which decrease the production of thyroid hormones) may be used in this. To treat the underlying thyroid issue, alternative treatment options like radioactive iodine therapy or surgery may occasionally be taken into account.
Eye care and lubrication: It’s crucial to control exophthalmos by alleviating symptoms and enhancing eye comfort. The condition’s related dryness and irritation can be relieved with lubricating eye drops or ointments. Eye patching or goggles with a moisture chamber may be used in extreme circumstances to keep the eyes moist and protect them.
Eyelid surgery: In some circumstances, eyelid surgery may be an option if the extreme retraction or elevation of the upper eyelid is causing functional or aesthetic problems. This can enhance eyelid closure and lessen eye exposure by restoring the eyelids’ natural posture and movement.
Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids may be administered in some circumstances to treat inflammation and lessen the swelling brought on by exophthalmos. Their usage, however, is often restricted to particular circumstances and should be decided by a healthcare practitioner.
Treatment of underlying illnesses: If conditions other than Graves’ disease, such as orbital tumors or inflammation, are the underlying causes of exophthalmos and Dalrymple’s sign, the treatment will concentrate on addressing that problem. Based on the type and severity of the eye condition, this may entail surgical excision of tumors, radiation therapy, or other focused treatments.
Natural remedies of Dalrymple’s sign
There aren’t any particular natural therapies that specifically target Dalrymple’s sign, a clinical observation connected to exophthalmos. There are, however, certain general natural methods that can support overall eye health and supplement medical treatment. Here are some recommendations:
Exercises for the eyes: Doing exercises for the eyes might help to strengthen the eye muscles and enhance eye coordination. Eye rolls, focusing on close and far things, and blinking drills are a few examples of these activities. To learn the proper eye exercises, speak with a competent therapist or an eye care specialist.
Warm compresses: Applying warm compresses to the eyes can help relieve pain, reduce swelling, and improve circulation in the area surrounding the eyes. For a few minutes at a time, gently place a clean, warm washcloth over your closed eyelids.
Diet for healthy eyes: Eating a nutrient-rich diet that promotes eye health may be advantageous. Include meals high in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins A, C, and E. Carrots, leafy greens, citrus fruits, berries, nuts, and seafood are a few examples.
Hydration and eye lubrication: Staying hydrated is crucial for general health, which includes the health of your eyes. Drink a lot of water all day long. Additionally, utilizing artificial tears or lubricating eye drops may help lessen the dryness and pain brought on by exophthalmos.
*Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not substitute professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation of your symptoms and appropriate treatment
Author Information
Author Contribution: Reviewed by Dr. Ram Reddy, MD – General Physician