Background
Thyroid eye disease is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in tissues around the eyes. It often occurs with Graves’ disease, but it can also occur when thyroid hormone levels are normal or low. Assessment may involve both an eye specialist and a thyroid specialist.
Signs and Symptoms
If you have any of these factors, follow up with an eye doctor:
- Protrusion of the eyes (exophthalmos): one of the most common symptoms, where the eyes bulge outward
- Eye discomfort: patients may experience dryness, irritation, or a gritty sensation
- Vision problems: double vision or blurred vision may occur due to muscle involvement
- Swelling and redness: eyelids and conjunctive may become swollen and red
- Photophobia: increased sensitivity to light
Risk Factors
There are also numerous factors that may increase your risk of developing TED:
- Autoimmune thyroid disease
- Cigarette smoking
- More females are diagnosed than males
- Middle-aged (30-50)
- Family history of TED
- Certain thyroid treatments, including radioactive iodine, can increase the risk of worsening thyroid eye disease
- Other autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus)
- Stress
Diagnosis
Diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive eye examination, including visual acuity tests and assessments of eye movement. Imaging tests, such as CT or MRI scans, can help evaluate the extent of orbital involvement. Blood tests may also be performed to assess thyroid hormone levels and confirm any underlying thyroid dysfunction.
Treatment
- Medical management: Corticosteroids are often used to reduce inflammation. Other immunosuppressive agents may also be considered.
- Radiation therapy: In some cases, targeted radiation can help reduce swelling and inflammation.
- Surgical options: Surgical interventions may be necessary for severe cases, including orbital decompression to relieve pressure on the eyes, or eyelid surgery to improve appearance and function.
- Thyroid management: Keeping thyroid hormone levels controlled is important. Radioactive iodine can worsen thyroid eye disease in some people, so eye and thyroid specialists should coordinate treatment decisions.
Connecticut Eye Consultants partners with endocrinologists to provide comprehensive care for thyroid eye disease. Ask the research team whether any thyroid eye disease studies are available.
Doctors at Connecticut Eye Consultants who can diagnose and treat thyroid eye disease:
- Katherine Zamecki
- Margaret Marcone
For more information, please visit Thyroid Eye Disease | American Thyroid Association