About Thyroid Eye Disease (TED)
Thyroid eye disease (TED) is a condition that most commonly affects people who have autoimmune hyperthyroidism, often known as Graves’ Disease. When a person has hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland located in the throat produces excess levels of thyroid hormones. While these hormones help our organs and systems perform their best, in excess amounts, they can be damaging to the body.
TED occurs when auto-antibodies attach to receptors on cells around the eyes, causing inflammation and tissue expansion. People who have TED may experience a number of symptoms, including protruding eyes and eyelids that retract, eye “bags,” double vision, dry eyes, and redness or swelling around the eyes.
Managing Thyroid Eye Disease
If left untreated, the disease can cause significant damage to the eye, permanent changes to vision, and in select cases, it can lead to loss of vision. Fortunately, there are a number of treatment options available that leverage the latest in medical science and technology. People who are suffering from TED should find a healthcare team that specializes in both thyroid disease and TED to discover what treatment plan is right for them.
Treatment Options
Treatment options for TED include both therapeutics and surgery. Common therapeutic treatments include corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation, and Tepezza, an FDA approved IV therapy that specifically targets Thyroid Eye Disease. In rare cases where the optic nerve is compressed, orbital decompression surgery may be necessary.
Before starting any treatment, patients should consult a qualified healthcare professional to determine the best course of action for their individual needs.
Eye to Eye is committed to empowering patients through education and community.
By raising awareness and offering compassionate support, we ensure no one faces TED alone.
