Thyroid Eye Disease

Thyroid eye disease is an autoimmune condition in which tissues around the eye become swollen and inflamed, most often linked to an overactive thyroid gland, and can affect comfort, appearance, and vision.

Common symptoms

Bulging or staring eyes, redness and swelling, gritty or watery eyes, double vision, retracted eyelids, and in severe cases reduced vision from pressure on the optic nerve.

Description

Thyroid eye disease, sometimes called Graves' ophthalmopathy, is most commonly seen in people with an overactive thyroid, but can also occur with normal or underactive thyroid function. The immune system mistakenly targets the muscles and fat behind the eye, causing them to swell.

The condition usually goes through an active, inflammatory phase lasting months to a couple of years, followed by a stable phase. Smoking significantly worsens the condition and slows recovery, so stopping smoking is one of the most important things someone with thyroid eye disease can do.

Treatment is shared between endocrinology and ophthalmology. Mild cases may need only lubricant drops and monitoring, while more active disease can be treated with steroids, biologic medicines, or radiotherapy. Once stable, surgery to protect the eye, correct double vision, or improve appearance may be offered.