Understanding Thyroid Eye Disorder

Understanding Thyroid Eye Disorder

Thyroid eye disease (TED) is when the tissues around the eye become swollen and damaged. It’s caused by the body’s immune system attacking itself, an autoimmune condition. There are two phases: the active phase, where inflammation occurs, and the stable phase, where it settles down. TED is often linked to Graves disease, which affects the thyroid, eyes, and skin. Graves disease can lead to either too many thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism) or too few (hypothyroidism), both of which can cause TED. However, TED can also happen in people with normal thyroid hormone levels.

Thyroid issues can sometimes lead to secondary glaucoma due to damage to the optic nerve. If you’re experiencing symptoms of thyroid eye disease, you can seek help from Shree Retina Hospital, the best eye hospital in Raipur. We specialize in addressing eye conditions, including thyroid eye disease, and can provide expert care and treatment according to your needs.

Symptoms of Thyroid Eye Disease 

 

  1. Bulging eyes (proptosis or exophthalmos): One of the hallmark signs of TED is protruding eyes, which can cause a wide-eyed or staring appearance.
  2. Swelling and inflammation: The tissues around the eyes may become swollen, causing redness, puffiness, and discomfort.
  3. Eye irritation: TED can cause dryness, grittiness, and a sensation of pressure or irritation in the eyes.
  4. Double vision (diplopia): Misalignment of the eyes due to TED can lead to double vision, especially when looking in certain directions.
  5. Eyelid retraction: The upper and lower eyelids may retract or pull back, exposing more of the whites of the eyes.
  6. Difficulty closing eyes completely: In severe cases, TED can affect the eyelid muscles, making it difficult to fully close the eyes, leading to dryness and corneal damage.
  7. Eye pain: Some individuals with TED experience pain or discomfort in and around the eyes, particularly during eye movements.
  8. Light sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia) may occur in some people with TED.
  9. Vision changes: TED can cause blurred vision, mainly if the swelling affects the optic nerve or if double vision occurs.
  10. Thickening of the skin around the eyes: Sometimes, the skin may become thicker and more fibrotic, leading to a puffy or swollen appearance.

Shree Retina Care is renowned as one of the best eye hospitals in Chhattisgarh, specializing in diagnosing and treating various eye conditions, including thyroid eye disease (TED). Our Eye Specialist in Raipur team provides the best care for patients with TED and other eye-related issues. If you need expert eye care in Chhattisgarh, Shree Retina Care is a top choice, and it is known for its quality services and patient-centered approach.

Management and Treatment of Thyroid Eye Disease

  1. Over-the-Counter Treatments
  • Eye Drops: Lubricating eye drops are available to relieve dryness and irritation without a prescription.
  • Selenium Supplements: Your doctor may recommend supplements if your selenium levels are low.
  1. Prescription Medications
  • Anti-inflammatory Drugs: Prednisone, rituximab, or teprotumumab (Tepezza®) may be prescribed to reduce inflammation. Discuss potential side effects with your doctor.
  1. Lifestyle Changes and Home Remedies
  • Quit Smoking: Smoking significantly increases the risk and worsens the symptoms of thyroid eye disease.
  • Cool Compresses: Applying cool compresses to your eyes can help alleviate discomfort.
  • Eye Protection: Wear sunglasses to shield your eyes from sunlight and irritation.
  • Elevate Head Position: Keeping your head higher than your body when lying down can reduce eye swelling.
  • Selenium Supplements: If your doctor approves, taking selenium supplements may be beneficial.
  • Eye Care While Sleeping: Use methods like taping your eyelids shut or wearing an eye patch to prevent dryness and protect your eyes.
  1. Surgical Options
  • Eyelid Surgery: Helps prevent corneal damage by correcting eyelid positioning.
  • Eye Muscle Surgery: Corrects double vision by adjusting eye muscle alignment.
  • Orbital Decompression Surgery: Reduces pressure on the optic nerve by enlarging the eye socket or removing excess tissue.
  1. Radiation Therapy
  • Radiation Treatment: Reducing inflammation in severe cases of thyroid eye disease may be recommended.

Prevention

Thyroid eye disease can’t be prevented, but the outlook is usually good. Mild cases might go away without treatment, while serious ones may need different therapies. If you’re over 50 when diagnosed, the outlook might be better. Talk to your healthcare provider about any vision changes if you have thyroid or autoimmune issues. You can contact Retina Eye Care Raipur for the best treatment of TED.

FAQs

What causes bulging eyes in thyroid eye disease?

When you have thyroid eye disease, the muscles around your eyes tighten, causing your eyelids to not move properly. This swelling in and around the eyes can make them bulge.

Can you have thyroid eye disease without Graves disease?

Yes, you can. Thyroid eye disease can happen even if you don’t have Graves disease.

Is there a connection between thyroid eye disease and blepharitis?

Blepharitis is when your eyelids are inflamed. It shares symptoms with thyroid eye disease, like watery eyes and redness. Blepharitis has been linked with hypothyroidism.