Objective To analyze the correlation between the therapeutic effect of Graves'hyperthyroidism and the outcomes of Graves'ophthalmopathy after ¹³¹I therapy, and to explore the effect of ¹³¹I treatment on turnout of Graves'ophthalmopathy.Methods Six hundreds and fifty-two patients of Graves'disease accompanied with Graves'ophthalmopathy.

Methods Six hundreds and fifty-two patients of Graves' disease accompanied with Graves' ophthalmopathy, received one-time ¹³¹I treatment according to routine procedure. We recorded exophthalmometer readings, the signs and symptoms of eyes before therapy. Regular follow-up and appraisal of curative effect were carried out.

Results At least six months after ¹³¹I therapy, the effective rate of Graves' hyperthyroidism and Graves' ophthalmopathy were 94. 3% and 73. 3% respectively. The total effective rate of hyperthyroidism with ophthalmophy was 71. 2%. There was a significant correlation between the prognosis of Graves' ophthalmopathy and therapeutic efficacy of hyperthyroidis m (r=0. 302, P < 0. 05). The outcomes of Graves' opht hal mopat hy had no s tat ist icall y differences between cured and hypothyroidism groups after 131I therapy (χ²=0. 296, P > 0. 05).

Conclusions The key to treat Graves' ophthalmopathy is the cure of Graves' hyperthyroidism through ¹³¹I therapy. The timely diagnosis and replacement treatment of hypothyroidism can effectively avoid the aggravation of Graves' ophthalmopathy after ¹³¹I therapy.