What is thyroid eye disease?
Thyroid eye disease (TED) is an eye condition that usually occurs when you have a problem with your thyroid gland. It causes the eye muscles, eyelids, tear glands and soft tissues in and around your eye socket to become inflamed. The period of inflammation and swelling of these tissues is the “active stage”. The active stage may resolve on its own, but sometimes needs treatment so it’s important to have any symptoms of TED checked early. The active stage lasts about six months to two years. After this, the inflammation settles, and this is the “inactive” or “burnt out” stage.
It may also be called thyroid associated ophthalmopathy (TAO), thyroid orbitopathy, Graves’ orbitopathy or Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO).
The most common way TED affects the eyes is by causing symptoms of watering, grittiness, and soreness. You may also find that bright lights are uncomfortable. The biggest problem associated with thyroid disease is dry eyes, please see What is dry eye?
Most people only get a mild form of TED, although the symptoms can be difficult to cope with. Many people may only experience these changes mildly. But they can still affect your quality of life. Often the symptoms of TED get worse for six months to a year. After this, the appearance of your eyes should improve.
Your thyroid problem will normally be looked after by an endocrinologist (a specialist in the hormone systems of the body). You will be given treatment to keep your thyroid hormones at the correct level. An over-active thyroid is firstly treated with anti-thyroid drugs. This may be followed by surgery or radioactive iodine treatment. Both overactive and underactive thyroid gland can affect your eyes. So it's important that your hormone levels are kept as normal as possible if you have TED.
