10 Signs of Thyroid Eye Disease (and How to Help it)

Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) can be a challenging condition that affects vision and quality of life. Understanding the signs and symptoms of TED is crucial for early detection and effective management. 

This article will tell you about the key signs of TED and offer practical advice on managing this condition.

Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) is an autoimmune disorder. The disease affects the muscles and tissues around your eyes. It’s most commonly associated with Graves’ disease, a type of hyperthyroidism. However, it can also occur in people with normal thyroid function or even hypothyroidism. 

TED occurs when the immune system mistakenly targets the tissues around the eyes, causing inflammation and other symptoms. 

According to the American Thyroid Association, these are the key signs someone is developing TED:

One of the most noticeable signs of TED is bulging eyes or exophthalmos. This condition occurs because the tissues and muscles behind your eyes become swollen and push your eyes forward. This can make your eyes look more prominent and can affect how you close your eyelids. Exophthalmos can also lead to symptoms like dryness and irritation because your eyes might not close completely, exposing them.

Many people with TED experience a gritty sensation, similar to having sand in their eyes. This feeling is due to inflammation and swelling in the tissue around the eyes, which can affect tear production and lead to dryness. The gritty sensation can be very uncomfortable and make it hard to focus on tasks.

Pressure or pain in the eyes is another common symptom of TED. This can be a dull, constant ache or sharp, intermittent pain. The pressure comes from the swelling of the tissues and muscles around the eyes, which can also affect your vision. If you experience significant pain or pressure, it’s essential to seek medical advice, as these symptoms can indicate worsening of the condition.

TED can cause your eyelids to become puffy or retract. Puffy eyelids occur because of fluid retention and inflammation, making your eyes look swollen. Retracted eyelids, on the other hand, are when the upper eyelid is pulled back, exposing more of your eye. Both conditions can make your eyes more vulnerable to dryness and irritation.

Reddened or inflamed eyes are also typical symptoms of TED. The inflammation can make your eyes’ whites appear red and cause discomfort. This redness is due to the increased blood flow and swelling in the tissues around the eyes. The inflammation can worsen if left untreated, leading to more severe symptoms and complications.

Many people with TED become sensitive to light, a condition known as photophobia. This happens because the swollen tissues around your eyes can affect how your eyes react to light. Light sensitivity can make it hard to be outside on sunny days or in brightly lit rooms. Wearing sunglasses and using dim lighting indoors can help manage this symptom.

Double vision, or diplopia, occurs when swelling affects the muscles around the eyes. The swollen tissue causes the eyes to become misaligned. This misalignment can make it difficult for the eyes to focus on the same point, leading to double vision. Diplopia can significantly impact daily activities, making reading and driving challenging.

In severe cases, TED can lead to vision loss. This decreased eyesight occurs when the inflammation and swelling compress the optic nerve, which is crucial for vision. Early detection and treatment are paramount to preventing permanent damage to your vision. If you observe any changes in your eyesight, see a healthcare professional.

Dry eyes are a common symptom of TED, resulting from the inability to close the eyelids fully or decreased tear production due to inflammation. When your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly, your eyes can become dry and uncomfortable. This dryness can lead to a gritty sensation, redness, and a feeling of having something in your eye.

Excessive tearing may seem counterintuitive if you also experience dry eyes, but it’s a common symptom of TED. When irritated or dry, your eyes may produce more tears in response. However, these tears often do not lubricate the eyes effectively, leading to a cycle of dryness and excessive tearing. This can be very uncomfortable. Moreover, it can affect your daily life.

Managing TED effectively requires a combination of medical treatments and self-care strategies. Working closely with your healthcare professional to monitor your eyes’ condition and adjust your treatment plan whenever needed is essential. Here are some general eye health tips to help manage TED:

In addition to those medical treatments, self-care strategies can help manage TED symptoms and improve your quality of life:

If you have tried but those self-care tips don’t help, your doctor will likely suggest additional measures to relieve the discomfort. These medical treatments can help you manage the symptoms of TED:

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of Thyroid Eye Disease is critical for early detection and effective management. If you experience any symptoms described in this article, it’s important to seek medical advice promptly. With the right combination of medical treatments and self-care strategies, you can manage TED effectively and maintain a good quality of life. Stay informed, work closely with your healthcare professional, and take proactive steps to care for your eyes and overall health.