Learning you have an autoimmune condition such asthyroid eye disease(TED) can be disconcerting.
The hallmark of this eye disorder is the distinctive way the eyes may bulge.
The result may be an overactive thyroid.
Jessica Olah / Verywell
When antibodies attack the eye muscles, thyroid eye disease may develop.
The symptoms can include swelling of the surrounding fat and muscles, causing the eyes to protrude.
Jessica Olah / Verywell
Risk Factors
Thyroid eye disease affects about 1 million Americans.
Disease Progression
Those with thyroid eye disease can be in one of two phases.
During this time, symptoms may continue to change.
Treatments such as surgical options are put on hold until healthcare providers feel certain they can get solid results.
Meanwhile, the second period has been dubbed the stable phase.
During this stable period, there is a relief of symptoms.
The second stage is typically when patients undergo surgical cosmetic corrections of any eye protrusion or vision issues.
Treatment Options
Currently, there areseveral treatment optionsfor dealing with the symptoms associated with thyroid eye disease.
Instill drops frequently throughout the day.
Save the thicker gels and ointments for the nighttime hours.
These thicker products tend not to evaporate as quickly but may cause some blurring.
This may actually go away on its own.
This can sometimes disappear on its own.
This medication helps to reduce swelling and inflammation.
Those contending with eyelid retraction may deal with dryness, light sensitivity, and sometimes even vision loss.
Once the eyelid positioning has become stable, however,surgerycan be performed to reposition the eyelids more normally.
Vision Loss
In a small number of cases, thyroid eye disease may result in vision loss.
Dryness can be treated with drops, gels, or ointments.
Use of medication such as anti-inflammatory drops, steroids, or even radiation can be given.
Sometimes the healthcare provider may recommend surgery to help take the pressure off the nerve.
Prognosis
Determining how you will ultimately fare with thyroid eye disease depends on your individual case.
Some people are fortunate to have mild symptoms, which resolve on their own with minimal treatment.
Cosmetically, it’s more possible than ever to decrease eye bulging with the aid of medication or surgery.
Most never deal with related vision loss.
Only occasionally is it necessary for patients to undergo surgery and other measures to preserve their vision.
Ohio State University Casey Eye Institute,Thyroid eye disease center.
University of Michigan,Thyroid eye disease (TED) or Graves eye disease.
University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center.Thyroid eye disease - what to expect.
Brigham and Women’s Hospital,Thyroid eye disease.
American Academy of Ophthalmology,New Drug Treats Thyroid Eye Disease Without Surgery.
Cleveland Clinic.Thyroid eye disease.
