What is Thyroid Eye Disease (TED)?

TED is an autoimmune condition often associated with Graves' Disease (hyperthyroidism). The same antibodies that attack the thyroid gland also attack the muscles and fat behind the eyes, causing inflammation and swelling.

What are the symptoms?

• Dry, gritty eyes: Feeling like there is sand in your eyes.
• Bulging eyes (Proptosis): The eyes are pushed forward, creating a "stare."
• Double vision (Diplopia): The eye muscles get stiff, making it hard for eyes to move together.
• Retraction: The eyelids pull back, showing the white above the iris.
• Vision loss: In severe cases, swelling presses on the optic nerve (rare).

Does treating the thyroid fix the eyes?

Not necessarily. TED runs its own course separate from the thyroid hormone levels. However, keeping thyroid levels normal and stopping smoking are the two most important things you can do to prevent it from getting worse. Smokers are 5-8 times more likely to develop severe TED.

How is it treated?

• Mild Phase: Artificial tears, sunglasses, and selenium supplements.
• Active Phase (Inflammation): Steroids (prednisone) or a new medication called Tepezza (Teprotumumab), which specifically targets the receptor causing the disease.
• Inactive Phase (Burned out): Once inflammation stops, surgery may be done to decompress the eye sockets, fix double vision, or correct eyelid position.