Thyroid Eye Disease (TED)

Overview

Thyroid eye disease, Graves’ ophthalmopathy, and Graves’ orbitopathy all refer to the same condition. There are a number of different manifestations of thyroid eye disease, the most common being eyelid retraction (excessively wide eyelid opening), bulging eyes (exophthalmos), and double vision.

Other thyroid eye disease abnormalities include inflammation of the tissues around the eyes, strabismus (misalignment of the eyes), and occasionally optic neuropathy (diminished vision caused by a compressed optic nerve).

Many patients with thyroid eye disease develop serious vision difficulties due to irritation, dryness, and over-exposure of the eyes. Double vision can also be very disabling and is common when the muscles that move the eyes become enlarged or scarred.

Treatments & Surgery

Common treatments for thyroid eye disease include artificial tear drops or topical medications, steroids (oral or IV), other types of anti-inflammatory medications, and even radiation.

Surgical treatments are normally reserved for patients who are at risk of diminishing vision due to active disease progression, or for patients who wish to improve their overall appearance (even if the disease is no longer active).

To learn more, or to schedule an appointment to find out if you may be suffering from Thyroid Eye Disease, please Call (512) 528-1144 or Contact Us.

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