What is Thyroid Eye Disease?
Thyroid eye disease is an auto-immune eye condition that leads to inflammation of the muscles that move the eye and the tissue surrounding the eyes. The eyes and eyelids may become swollen and red. The inflammation may push the eyes forward, causing a bulging of the eyes (what is commonly known as the “Thyroid stare”). Thyroid eye disease is also known as Graves’ orbitopathy, Graves’ eye disease, or Thyroid associated ophthalmopathy.
What is Graves’ disease?
Graves’ disease is an immune system disorder that causes the overproduction of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism).
Book a QERS Consultation
Who is at risk for thyroid eye disease?
Thyroid eye disease is most commonly associated with people living with Graces’ disease, but the condition is possible in people with normal thyroid hormone levels, and in people with low levels (hypothyroidism).
• Females are affected more than males
• Normally in middle aged adults
• People with a family history of TED
• Smokers are affected up to 8 times more than non-smokers
• People undergoing radioactive iodine therapy for hyperthyroidism or Graves’ disease.
• People with low levels of selenium in their bloodstream.
What are the symptoms of thyroid eye disease?
The symptoms for thyroid eye disease differ from one person to the next...
• Redness or swelling of the eyes or eyelids
• Bulging eyes
• Blurred or double vision
• Pain behind the eye
• Watery eyes
• Difficulty moving the eyes
• Pain caused by bright lights
Treating thyroid eye disease
• Cool compresses on the eyes
• Sunglasses to protect from the sun
• Eye drops
• Taping of the eyelids
• Steroid treatment
• Selenium supplements
• Glasses fitted with prisms
• Selenium supplements
• Glasses fitted with prisms
• Intravenous corticosteroid infusion
Radiation therapy
In severe cases surgery may be required to treat or manage the thyroid eye disease.
Surgical options include:
• Eyelid surgery to reduce exposure of the cornea.
• Eye muscle surgery for double vision.
• Orbital decompression surgery for severe proptosis (bulging of the eyes) where sight is threatened.
More Information
For more information on thyroid eye disease, head to one of the links below
