Disrupted Functional Connectivity of the Visual Cortex in Dysthyroid Optic Neuropathy Due to Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy

Dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) due to thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is characterized by visual dysfunction and with a risk of blindness. Visual cortex is crucial for visual information, and visual impairments can affect brain activity. We investigated visual cortex functional connectivity (FC) alterations in DON and its associations with visual performance. The DON showed disrupted FC in the visual cortex, and the FC in primary rather than the secondary visual cortex associated with clinical parameters. It helps to uncover the neurological mechanisms underlying visual dysfunction and provides insight into novel therapeutic regimens to slow or prevent the neuropathy.