What Is Thyroid Eye Disease?
Thyroid eye disease is usually a condition related to an auto-immune disorder that affects the thyroid gland. It usually occurs simultaneously with a thyroid disorder called Graves’ disease. The disease can affect all of the tissue that surrounds the eye. Graves’ disease causes these tissues to swell and changes their ability to function properly. Most patients who have thyroid eye disease have hyperthyroid (too much thyroid hormone in the blood), but those who have hypothyroid (too little thyroid in the blood) or euthyroid (normal thyroid levels in the blood) can be affected as well.
What Are the Symptoms of Thyroid Eye Disease?
- Bulging of the eyes
- Pain, especially with movement
- Dry, irritated eyes
- Double vision
- Blurred vision
- Light sensitivity
- Redness (bloodshot eyes)
- Swelling that affects the optic nerve and that may lead to vision loss
- Color blindness
How Is Thyroid Eye Disease Treated?
There are many different procedures that can help treat thyroid eye disease. These can range from mild procedures to major surgery.
