Thyroid eye disease: early signs and treatment

What is thyroid eye disease?

Thyroid eye disease (TED), also known as Graves’ eye disease, is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks the tissues around the eye, causing inflammation and swelling. It is most often associated with an overactive thyroid gland.

Early signs of TED

• Changes in Appearance: The eyes may appear to bulge forward, or the upper eyelid may look retracted, giving a “staring” look.
• Surface Irritation: Redness, grittiness, and a feeling of something in the eye.
• Double Vision: When the muscles that move the eye become swollen or scarred.
• Eyelid Swelling: Often most noticeable in the morning.

When to worry about thyroid eye disease

TED progresses through an “active phase” where inflammation is high, and a “stable phase” where it settles. Specialist management is crucial during both.

Seek an expert review if you notice:

• A change in your vision or ability to see colours.
• Increasing bulging of the eyes.
• New onset of double vision.
• Difficulty fully closing your eyes.
• Pain or pressure behind the eyes.

Dr Faz specializes in the management of thyroid eye disease, providing a range of treatments from medical optimization to complex orbital decompression and corrective eyelid surgery.