What is Thyroid Eye Disease?

Thyroid eye disease is an autoimmune disease that involves a variety of changes in the tissues around the eyes. Most commonly, patients have Graves disease, or autoimmune hyperthyroidism, but thyroid eye disease may also be seen in patients with a low (hypothyroid) or normal thyroid. Patients with thyroid eye disease commonly have eye bulging (proptosis), eyelids that are too open (eyelid retraction), and dry eyes. Patients can also have eyelid swelling, double vision, eye redness, eye pain or aching, inability to close the eyes, and rarely vision loss.

How is Thyroid Eye Disease Treated?

The first step of treatment of thyroid eye disease is good control of the thyroid hormones by medications from your primary care doctor or endocrinologist. For the eye comfort, often patients require eye lubrication with artificial tears or gels. We may also recommend a variety of medical therapies including selenium supplementation, teprotumumab (Tepezza) infusions, or steroids depending on your symptoms and disease severity. Many patients eventually require multiple surgeries to correct proptosis, double vision, and eyelid retraction and rehabilitate their appearance.

Am I a Candidate for Treatment of Thyroid Eye Disease?

The first step it to have a consultation with an oculoplastic specialist. We will often follow you for many months to track your progress prior to any procedure. If surgery is needed, your insurance may consider the cost based on your diagnosis. Pre-authorization is often required.

To learn more about treatment of Thyroid Eye Disease , contact us at 214-220-3937 to schedule an appointment.