Evaluation the early effects of single high dose radioiodine therapy on lacrimal gland function

Background: The therapeu c administra on of I for thyroid remnant abla on and for metastases comes up with some adverse effects. This study was conducted to inves gate whether single high dose radioiodine therapy affects lacrimal gland func ons or not. Materials and Methods: Seventy‐eight eyes of 39 pa ents, who were diagnosed as differen ated thyroid carcinoma, were objec vely tested with Schiermer’s test and tear film break‐up me test; before and 1 and 6 months a er high dose (≥ 3700 MBq) I therapy. Results: The median values of pre‐treatment Schiermer’s test were 10.00 mm and 9.60 mm for right and le eyes, respec vely. At the post‐treatment first and sixth months, no significant change was observed in the median values of Schiermer’s test in both eyes (p= 0.189 and p=0.085, respec vely, Friedman test). The median values of pre‐treatment tear film break‐up me test were 9.15 sn and 9.20 sn for right and le eyes, respec vely. The median values of post‐treatment tear film break‐up mes reduced at first and sixth months and the difference between the pre‐treatment and post‐treatment values were significant in both eyes (p=0.020 and p=0.022 for right and le eyes, respec vely, Friedman test). Conclusion: Impairment of goblet cell func on occurs early a er administra on of single high dose I applica on. However, reduc on in tear secre on from lacrimal gland is not observed.